August cocoa deliveries quadruple after early 2025–26 season launch
The nation’s cocoa deliveries have soared in August following an early launch of the 2025–26 season, with warehouse arrivals more than quadrupling compared to the same period last year.
The decision to begin the season two months ahead of schedule was aimed at giving farmers quicker access to cash.
In the four weeks ending 4 September, deliveries reached 50,440 metric tonnes, a sharp rise from the 11,000 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2024.
To further support farmers, the government has raised the farmgate price by 4.2 per cent to GHS3,228.75 per 64-kilogramme bag.
The increase is expected to reduce smuggling to neighbouring countries where prices are typically higher.
Global markets are watching West African supply closely after poor harvests triggered a major shortage last year, sending cocoa futures in New York to record highs.
While a small surplus is projected for the current season, prices remain well above historical levels.
Most of the beans delivered are destined for export, though some are sold to local processors. Ghana has forecast a crop of 650,000 tonnes for the 2025–26 season, up from 600,000 tonnes in the previous harvest.
Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, is expected to announce new farmgate prices ahead of its season launch on 1 October.
Efforts to curb smuggling are showing progress. A new funding model, involving top exporters financing purchases directly, has improved tracking of beans from farms to warehouses, according to industry sources.
