The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has launched a nationwide stakeholder engagement series to unpack the newly passed Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, opening the dialogue with key industry actors at Cocoa House in Accra on Tuesday.
The maiden session brought together leaders from cocoa farmer-based organisations, civil society groups, and the Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG). Led by COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey and members of management, the meeting focused on the law’s expanded regulatory oversight, revised financing policies, and an updated producer pricing framework.
Addressing delegates during the opening session, Dr. Randy Abbey emphasized that the legislation marks a structural shift aimed at securing the long-term viability of Ghana’s cocoa economy while placing farmers at the center of governance.
“The Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026 is not merely a legal document; it is a blueprint for the modernization and sustainability of our cocoa sector,” Dr. Abbey stated. “Our objective with this nationwide exercise is to ensure that every stakeholder from our buying companies to the farmer in the village—understands their rights, responsibilities, and the protection this new framework guarantees.”
Key focus areas of the discussions included farm protection mechanisms, enhanced supply chain traceability, updated licensing requirements, and the operational rollout of the Cocoa Farmer Pension Scheme.
Reacting to the presentation, representatives of LICOBAG welcomed the statutory updates regarding financing and licensing, noting that clarity on regulatory oversight will boost confidence among operational buyers.
“Clear rules of engagement benefit the entire value chain,” said a spokesperson for LICOBAG. “The detailed discussions on financing policy and licensing give licensed buyers a clearer roadmap for operations while aligning our practices with global traceability standards.”
Farmer-based organizations also expressed optimism regarding the bill’s provisions on price stabilization and pension security, while stressing the need for continuous education as the law takes effect.
“Our main priority has always been fair pricing, farm protection, and a dignified retirement for our farmers,” noted a senior representative from the cocoa farmer associations present. “Seeing these protections embedded in the legal framework gives us confidence, but the real work lies in ensuring these policies translate directly into the livelihoods of local farm communities.”
Following the initial dialogue in Accra, COCOBOD announced that the consultation series will cascade to regional, district, and local cocoa society levels across the country to build widespread understanding and ensure smooth implementation.
