Ghana COCOBOD has announced that farmers are set to maintain their current earnings in the upcoming 2026 Light Crop Season after the government announced that producer prices will remain unchanged despite a decline in international cocoa prices.
The decision, communicated through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), is aimed at safeguarding farmer incomes and ensuring stability within the country’s cocoa sector as market conditions fluctuate globally.
According to a statement signed by COCOBOD’s Deputy Chief Executive for Agronomy and Quality Control, Dr Francis Baah, purchases for the 2026 Light Crop Season are scheduled to commence on June 18, 2026.
Under the existing pricing structure, farmers will continue to receive GH¢41,241.76 per load of 30 kilograms of Grade I and II cocoa beans. The producer price for a 64-kilogram bag remains GH¢2,587.00, while a tonne, equivalent to 16 bags, will continue to attract GH¢41,392.00.
The announcement comes at a time when international cocoa prices have experienced downward pressure, a development that often raises concerns about potential reductions in payments to farmers. However, the government has opted to maintain the current rates to protect livelihoods and sustain confidence within the industry.
COCOBOD stated that the move reflects the government’s commitment to supporting cocoa-growing communities and ensuring that farmers are not adversely affected by short-term market fluctuations.
The Board noted that maintaining stable producer prices is expected to provide certainty for farmers as they prepare for the light crop season and continue investing in their farms.
Industry stakeholders, including Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), COCOBOD management, relevant government ministries and other sector participants, have been notified of the decision to facilitate a smooth nationwide rollout of cocoa purchases when the season officially opens.
The latest announcement reinforces Ghana’s longstanding policy of using producer pricing mechanisms to cushion farmers from external market shocks while preserving the country’s position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
