Sustainable Funding Gaps Undermine COCOBOD – Prez. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over Ghana’s inability to secure sustainable financing for the cocoa sector, warning that the challenge has significantly weakened the Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) capacity to raise syndicated loans.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 11, the President acknowledged shortcomings in the management of state-owned enterprises, noting that governance and financial discipline issues have eroded the strength of key national institutions.
“Our handling of state-owned enterprises has at times been uneven. Weak governance frameworks, political interference, and inadequate financial discipline have undermined institutions that were once engines of stability and credibility,” President Mahama stated.
He further admitted that the cocoa sector has not been spared. “We failed to raise sustainable funding for cocoa and COCOBOD’s capacity to syndicate effectively. These are not points of blame, but lessons in responsibility,” he added.
The President’s remarks come at a time of mounting tension within the cocoa sector, as farmers across the country threaten to embark on demonstrations over delayed payments for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
According to the farmers, months of unpaid monies have pushed many into severe financial hardship, affecting their ability to cater for essential needs, including healthcare and their children’s school fees. Some farmer groups argue that the prolonged delays risk undermining confidence in the sector and could disrupt production if not urgently addressed.
In response to the growing unrest, Cabinet is holding an emergency meeting to deliberate on the payment backlog and the broader financial strain facing COCOBOD. Government officials are expected to outline immediate interventions aimed at clearing the arrears and restoring stability within the cocoa value chain.
The cocoa sector remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and rural employment. Analysts say restoring sustainable funding mechanisms and strengthening governance structures will be crucial to safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and rebuilding confidence in COCOBOD’s operations.
