Ghanaian cocoa farmers are sharply divided over the new Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill, 2026. The legislation, passed by Parliament on July 30, 2026, mandates farmers to obtain approval before destroying or uprooting cocoa trees. This provision aims to protect cocoa farms from conversion to other uses, a critical concern for the sector.
The division centers on this requirement for prior approval. Farmers in parts of the Ashanti Region, including Juaben, Asiwa, Juaso, and Konongo, have expressed support for the Bill. They attended a sensitisation rally organised by COCOBOD in Konongo, where officials explained the new law's provisions. This engagement attracted over 400 participants, indicating significant interest in the Bill's implications.
This new Bill fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to safeguard its vital cocoa industry. Cocoa remains a cornerstone of the Ghanaian economy, contributing significantly to export earnings and rural livelihoods. Protecting cocoa lands from illegal mining and other conversions is crucial for maintaining production levels and global market share. The legislation reflects a government effort to formalise land use within the cocoa sector, ensuring its long-term viability against competing land uses.
Dr. Richard Adu Acheampong, Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), clarified the Bill's scope. He stated that the law does not prevent farmers from cultivating food crops alongside cocoa. He also dispelled concerns that the Bill would transfer land ownership to COCOBOD. These clarifications were made during the sensitisation rally, aiming to address farmer anxieties directly.
The implications of this Bill are significant for Ghana's cocoa output and farmer welfare. If the Bill is assented into law, it could lead to increased scrutiny over land use changes in cocoa-growing areas. Decision-makers will closely monitor how COCOBOD implements these new regulations and how farmers adapt. The government must balance protection of cocoa lands with ensuring farmer autonomy and economic incentives.
Conversely, farmers in parts of the Western Region, particularly Prestea-Huni Valley and Wassa Amenfi West, strongly oppose the Bill. They describe some provisions as overly restrictive. Nana Thomas Boakye, the Chief Cocoa Farmer for Prestea-Huni Valley, argued that requiring approval for tree removal creates difficulties. He highlighted challenges for farmers needing to cut down diseased, old, or unproductive cocoa trees. He believes farmers should have the freedom to choose alternative crops to improve their livelihoods.
Nana Boakye urged President Mahama not to assent to the Bill. He stressed that farmers need incentives, improved producer prices, and better welfare, such as housing. He believes these measures are more beneficial than legislation imposing additional restrictions. Nana Boakye estimated that about 70 percent of cocoa farmers are ageing, with young people losing interest. He attributed this partly to the allure of illegal mining, which offers quicker returns. He called for urgent measures to make cocoa farming more attractive to the youth.
Nana Kwamina Badu II, Chief of Pieso, also criticised the consultation process. He stated that farmer consultations were inadequate before the Bill's passage. While acknowledging the Bill's aim to prevent farm conversion for mining, he insisted it must be supported by incentives and compensation. These measures would genuinely improve farmers' livelihoods, making the protective aspects more palatable. Samuel Nartey, a farmer from Ohiampeanika cocoa cottage, urged the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining. He emphasised that security for cocoa farms, remunerative producer prices, and farmer welfare should be top priorities.
The Bill gives cocoa farms protected status, restricting their conversion without COCOBOD approval. Only board-sanctioned rehabilitation is exempt. Violators could face fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years. This strict enforcement mechanism underscores the government's commitment to protecting cocoa resources. However, the success of this legislation will hinge on effective communication, fair implementation, and addressing farmers' economic concerns. The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between regulation and farmer empowerment in Ghana's crucial cocoa sector.