Cabinet Approves Major Overhaul of Cocoa Sector Amid Farmer Payment Delays
Government has approved far-reaching reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector following increasing concerns over delayed payments to farmers and deepening financial strain at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The decision was disclosed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, after an emergency Cabinet meeting convened to evaluate the challenges confronting the industry. According to him, discussions centred on persistent arrears owed to cocoa farmers and the broader fiscal difficulties affecting COCOBOD’s operations.
Over the past few weeks, farmers in several cocoa-growing regions have raised concerns about outstanding payments for beans supplied since late 2025. Many say the delays are disrupting their livelihoods, limiting access to healthcare, and affecting their ability to pay school fees and meet household needs.
Ghana’s cocoa industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy, serving as a major source of export revenue, foreign exchange, and rural employment. However, COCOBOD has in recent years grappled with mounting debt, rising input and operational costs, declining output levels, and difficulties in securing favourable syndicated loans to finance annual cocoa purchases.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that Cabinet had agreed on decisive interventions, including steps to fast-track payments to farmers and implement comprehensive reforms within the sector.
