By Adnan Adams Mohammed
In a major move to shield local farmers from the volatile international commodities market, the Government of Ghana, acting through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has announced that the producer price of cocoa will remain unchanged for the upcoming 2025/26 Light Crop Season.
The decision comes at a critical time when global cocoa prices are experiencing a notable downward trend, signaling the government’s intent to absorb the economic shocks on behalf of local producers.
According to an official circular released by COCOBOD, the state will maintain the existing guaranteed pricing structure to ensure financial predictability for the farming community.
Purchases for the new light crop season are officially scheduled to commence on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The approved pricing structures for the season have been outlined as follows:
Quantity / Unit Approved Grade I & II Price
Per Load (30 kg) GH¢1,241.76
Per Bag (64 kg gross) GH¢2,587.00
Per Tonne (16 bags) GH¢41,392.00
Protecting Livelihoods
The state’s intervention is explicitly designed to act as a financial buffer. In the official press release, COCOBOD emphasized that the policy is a direct reflection of state support for the agricultural backbone of the country.
“The decision underscores Government’s commitment to protecting the incomes and livelihoods of cocoa farmers, even as international cocoa prices experience a downward trend,” the statement read.
By holding the financial line, the administration hopes to inject a sense of security into the rural economy before the harvesting and buying processes begin.
“By maintaining the current producer price, Government aims to provide stability and confidence to farmers ahead of the new light crop season,” COCOBOD noted.
Industry-Wide Coordination
The directive, signed by the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control (A&QC), Dr. Francis Baah, has already been dispatched to all major stakeholders across the cocoa value chain to ensure compliance and a seamless rollout nationwide.
The regulatory body confirmed that the necessary logistical and administrative frameworks are being aligned ahead of next week’s opening date.
“The announcement has been communicated to key stakeholders within the cocoa industry, including Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), COCOBOD management, relevant ministries, and other sector players to ensure a smooth commencement of cocoa purchases nationwide.”
