Scores of cocoa farmers from the Guan District in the Oti Region have protested at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) office in Hohoe, demanding immediate payment for cocoa beans. These farmers supplied their produce to various Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) between November 2025 and February 2026. They are yet to receive the proceeds from these sales, leading to significant financial distress.
The prolonged delay in payments has placed many farming households under severe strain. Farmers report difficulties in meeting basic family needs, paying school fees for their children, and securing funds for the upcoming farming season. This situation directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of individuals dependent on cocoa farming.
This incident highlights persistent challenges within Ghana's cocoa sector, a vital pillar of the national economy. Cocoa exports are a major foreign exchange earner for Ghana, contributing significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Delays in farmer payments can disrupt the supply chain, affect production targets, and ultimately impact national revenue. The government recently announced the release of GHS 2.6 billion to LBCs specifically for farmer payments, making the current protests particularly concerning.
Divine Katsakpa, the Cocoa Chief Farmer for the area, expressed profound disappointment regarding the non-payment. He stated, "We have worked hard, but we are being treated with negligence." Mr. Katsakpa highlighted personal struggles, including inability to care for his sick wife or keep his children in school due to the withheld funds. His statement underscores the human cost of these payment delays.
The protesting farmers have issued a three-day ultimatum to the government and COCOBOD to clear all outstanding arrears. They warned that failure to pay by Friday will result in intensified protests at the Hohoe COCOBOD office. Farmers threatened to reclaim their cocoa beans or occupy the COCOBOD office until their concerns are addressed. This situation could escalate, potentially disrupting cocoa operations in the region and drawing further national attention to the issue of farmer welfare and payment systems.
The cocoa sector faces ongoing challenges, including fluctuating global prices and the need for sustainable farming practices. Ensuring timely payments to farmers is crucial for maintaining their morale and productivity. Ghana's economic stability relies heavily on the health of its agricultural sectors, particularly cocoa. The government and COCOBOD must address these payment issues promptly to prevent further unrest and safeguard the future of cocoa production.
The current situation in the Oti Region reflects broader concerns about the efficiency and transparency of payment mechanisms within the cocoa value chain. Stakeholders, including LBCs and financial institutions, play a critical role in ensuring that funds allocated for farmers reach them without undue delay. The outcome of this protest will be closely watched by other cocoa-growing regions and the wider agricultural community.