The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has strongly criticised the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Law. The association states this legislation is an outdated framework that will hinder the development of the country’s vital cocoa industry.
Nana Aduna II, Spokesperson for the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, argues the law preserves a COCOBOD-centred model. This model, introduced during British colonial rule, continues to restrict Ghana to producing and exporting raw cocoa beans. He believes this approach prevents Ghana from achieving the full economic value of its cocoa sector.
This development fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of seeking to industrialise and add value to its raw materials. Ghana has long aimed to move beyond primary commodity exports, as evidenced by various government policies promoting local processing. The cocoa sector contributes significantly to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product and foreign exchange earnings, making its structure crucial for national development.
“This bill, unfortunately, rather entrenches an outdated view that sabotages the development of our cocoa economy,” Nana Aduna II stated in an interview. He added, “It maintains an outdated colonial model, which is the COCOBOD model that was introduced by the British.” This highlights a fundamental disagreement over the strategic direction of the cocoa industry.
The new law, assented by President John Mahama on August 26, 2026, repeals the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984 (PNDCL 81). It introduces a new statutory framework for regulating the sector. A key provision guarantees farmers at least 70 per cent of the gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price. It also requires a minimum of 50 per cent of Ghana’s cocoa beans to be processed locally. However, critics argue these provisions do not go far enough to transform the industry.
Before its presidential assent, the Minority in Parliament also criticised the legislation. They called for broader consultations with farmers and other industry stakeholders. Yaw Frimpong Addo, former Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture in charge of Cocoa Affairs, questioned the process. He argued Parliament’s Agriculture Committee and key industry players were not adequately involved in its passage under a certificate of urgency.
The implications are significant for Ghana’s economic future and its position in the global cocoa market. Stakeholders will closely watch how the new law impacts local processing targets and farmer incomes. The government faces pressure to demonstrate that the new framework genuinely supports value addition and economic diversification. Failure to do so could perpetuate Ghana's reliance on raw material exports, limiting job creation and industrial growth. This ongoing debate underscores the challenges in reforming long-standing economic structures.