The Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has maintained the price paid to cocoa farmers for the 2026 Light Crop Season. Farmers will receive GHS 41,392.00 per tonne of cocoa. This decision comes despite recent falls in global cocoa market prices.
This fixed price translates to GHS 41,241.76 per 30-kilogram load and GHS 2,587.00 per 64-kilogram bag of Grade I and II cocoa beans. Cocoa purchases for the 2026 Light Crop Season are scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The move aims to protect the income and livelihoods of cocoa farmers during a period of international price volatility.
Ghana’s cocoa sector is a vital component of its economy, contributing significantly to export earnings and rural employment. Maintaining the producer price helps stabilise the incomes of thousands of farmers. This also supports the government's broader economic strategy to shield key agricultural sectors from external shocks. Historical data shows that stable producer prices can reduce farmer disincentives and prevent smuggling to neighboring countries.
COCOBOD issued a statement on Friday, June 12, confirming the decision. Dr. Francis Baah, COCOBOD’s Deputy Chief Executive for Agronomy and Quality Control, signed the statement. He highlighted the government's commitment to protecting farmers' incomes even as international cocoa prices trend downwards.
This steadfast pricing provides assurance to cocoa farmers as they prepare for the upcoming light crop season. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch global cocoa price trends and the impact of this policy on COCOBOD's finances. The stability offered could encourage continued cocoa production, but will place a burden on COCOBOD if global prices remain low. Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and other industry players have been informed to ensure a smooth start to purchasing operations nationwide.
The cocoa industry forms the backbone of many rural economies in Ghana. This intervention highlights the government's strategy to balance global market dynamics with domestic welfare. Sustained price support requires robust financial planning by COCOBOD. Future implications include potential government subsidies or adjustments to COCOBOD's operational budget if the gap between international and producer prices widens significantly. The success of this policy will ultimately be measured by its ability to maintain farmer profitability and national cocoa output.