Kadjebi: Cocoa farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the newly announced cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 crop season. Government recently increased the producer price from GHS3,228.00 to GHS3,625.00 per 64kg bag, representing an increment of GHS397.00. However, the farmers say the increase is inadequate and fails to reflect the current cost of production.
According to Ghana News Agency, the farmers described the new price as ‘an insult’ and ‘a betrayal’ of promises made to them during the 2024 election campaign. A farmer in the Dodo-Amanfrom area, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that the price was far below expectations. He recalled that while in opposition, the NDC had criticised the then-government for offering GHS3,228.00 per bag, calling it a ‘cheat,’ and had promised to increase the price to GHS6,000.00 per bag if elected.
The farmer expressed disappointment in the government, questioning the justification for only a GHS397.00 increase when the cost of agrochemicals and labour has more than doubled. He also alleged that the disparity in cocoa prices between Ghana and neighbouring countries could fuel cross-border smuggling, citing that in the Republic of Togo, a 64kg bag of cocoa currently sells for the equivalent of GHS7,000.00, which could encourage farmers to smuggle their produce for better returns.
Another farmer, residing in the Cocoa Market area of Kadjebi, shared similar concerns. He said the announced price was far below their expectations and warned that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) might struggle to purchase even a single bag from the district this season if conditions did not improve. He added that even when they sell to COCOBOD at lower prices out of patriotism, they face delays in payments, making things more difficult for them.
The farmers have appealed to the government to review the producer price upwards to at least GHS5,000.00 per 64kg bag, to enable them to remain in the cocoa farming business. They cited rising inflation, increased input costs, and the high cost of living as major challenges affecting their livelihoods. They urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, COCOBOD, and relevant stakeholders to take swift action to safeguard the cocoa sector, which remains a major contributor to the national economy.