Cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region have commended the government of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for maintaining prices of cocoa even under a severe global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to them, the Akufo-Addo government was able to sustain the economy, pay public sector workers, maintain utilities, and crucially, keep cocoa prices stable during those turbulent times from 2020.
The farmers argued that if the previous administration could avoid reducing cocoa prices under such severe global pressures, the current government, led by John Dramani Mahama, should, at the very least, maintain the existing price.
They poured out their frustration during a tour by the Minority Caucus in Parliament to cocoa-growing communities in the Atwima Mponua Constituency,
The tour was led by Minority Chief Whip, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh as part of a broader nationwide engagement to provide a platform for the farmers to express their concerns over the government’s decision to slash the producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, a 28.6% reduction.
The farmers insisted that rather than impose what they described as a painful “haircut” on their livelihoods, the government should restore the previous price of GH¢3,625 per bag.
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, the government fixed the new price for the remainder of the 2025-2026 crop season at GH¢41,392 per ton and GH¢2,587 per bag, bringing unbearable hardship to the farmers.
Non-payment and economic hardship
The price reduction, according to the cocoa farmers, has brought untold hardships to them, particularly at a time when input costs such as fertilisers, labour and transportation continue to rise.
Many of them who spoke during the engagement said the price cut has worsened already dire conditions, with several lamenting delays in payments for cocoa beans already supplied.
They claimed that even though government officials have announced the release of funds, many farmers and purchasing clerks are yet to receive payments, leaving them in financial distress.
Some said they are unable to meet basic household needs, including feeding their families, paying school fees, and accessing healthcare.
Purchasing clerks affected
The price cut has also affected cocoa purchasing clerks and licenced buyers, who decried their struggles to operate due to lack of funds from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Several buyers disclosed that they have been forced to halt the purchase of cocoa beans because they have exhausted loans and have not been reimbursed.
This has led to a breakdown in the cocoa purchasing chain, with farmers reporting that their produce is being rejected at buying centres, further compounding their losses.
Risk of using cocoa farms for illegal mining
Farmers in some communities, such as Adiembra and Agogoso, have warned that the declining profitability of cocoa farming is pushing many towards illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
A number of them openly admitted they are considering cutting down their cocoa farms if viable gold deposits are discovered on their land, arguing that illegal mining now offers quicker and more reliable financial returns than cocoa farming under current conditions.
Lost interest
A 68-year-old licensed buyer, who has spent over three decades in the cocoa trade, said he has completely lost interest in the business due to unpaid arrears and mounting uncertainty.
Minority’s observation
Reacting to the situation, the Minority Caucus strongly criticised the government’s handling of the cocoa sector.
The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, described the price reduction as a “rip-off”.
He insisted that farmers should not be made to bear the full burden of global market fluctuations.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh suggested to government to explore alternative measures, including possible bailouts or subsidies, to cushion farmers instead of reducing their incomes.
He also questioned government priorities, particularly in light of reports that the administration is considering acquiring a new presidential jet and helicopters.
“If you can borrow to buy a jet but cannot borrow to pay cocoa farmers, then during elections the jet will go and vote for you,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh remarked, drawing applause from farmers.
His comments reflected a broader opposition position that government spending priorities must be realigned to address urgent challenges within the cocoa sector.
Other Minority members, including Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, warned that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent interventions are not implemented.
According to him, there are indications of possible further price reductions and urged farmers to demand fairness and accountability from the government.
Farmers across communities including Dannso and Asante Akyem Ofoase echoed similar concerns, stressing that the current producer price barely covers the cost of production.
NDC campaign promise reneged
The farmers have accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of reneging on pre-election promises to significantly increase cocoa prices, with some recalling pledges of up to GH¢6,500 per bag.
Instead, they say, the government has reduced even the price inherited from the previous administration.
The emotional toll of the crisis was evident as some farmers, including elderly women, broke down in tears while recounting their struggles.
Several of them warned that if the government fails to reverse the decision, they would be left with no option but to stage mass demonstrations.
Others hinted at abandoning cocoa farming altogether, describing the sector as no longer sustainable under current conditions.
The ongoing brouhaha highlights a deepening crisis within Ghana’s cocoa sector, which remains a critical pillar of the national economy.
By Kyei Boateng
