Ghana’s cocoa farmers have been handed a significant financial lifeline as the government announced a new producer price of GHS3,625 per bag of cocoa, representing a 12.27% increase from the price announced in August 2025.
The latest adjustment translates to GHS58,000 per tonne, an increase of GHS400 per bag, and takes effect from Friday, October 3, 2025.
Announcing the increment, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, highlighted that the new cocoa pricing strategy is part of government’s commitment to improving farmer welfare, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening Ghana’s cocoa-driven economy.
Farmers to Benefit Directly
For decades, cocoa has remained the backbone of Ghana’s economy, employing millions and driving rural livelihoods. The latest increment, hailed as a timely intervention, is expected to provide direct relief to farmers struggling with rising costs of production.
“The new producer price ensures that cocoa farmers are adequately compensated for their hard work, while safeguarding Ghana’s leadership position in the global cocoa industry.”
Dr. Ato Forson
This increase comes at a time when many farmers have been pushing for better rewards due to inflationary pressures, higher input costs, and global cocoa price volatility.
COCOBOD’s Support Program Intensifies
Beyond the price increment, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has restated its commitment to supporting cocoa farmers with a wide-ranging package of interventions designed to strengthen production across the sector. The initiative underscores government’s broader strategy of not only rewarding farmers financially but also equipping them with the resources needed to sustain Ghana’s global cocoa competitiveness.
According to the Finance Minister, COCOBOD will continue to provide free fertilizers—both liquid and granular—alongside insecticides, fungicides, and spraying machines to farmers. In addition, the distribution of free flower inducers will help farmers increase yields and protect their crops from threats posed by pests and diseases. By taking this burden off farmers, the government ensures that production costs are reduced, while productivity is simultaneously improved.
These interventions are expected to serve as a catalyst for higher yields, greater efficiency, and long-term sustainability in cocoa farming. For many farmers, the combination of higher producer prices and free input support offers hope of better incomes, improved living standards, and renewed interest in cocoa production among the younger generation. Ultimately, the package positions Ghana’s cocoa industry to thrive in the face of rising global demand.
“This is not just about increasing producer prices but also ensuring that farmers have the tools and resources to expand output and sustain their incomes,” Dr. Forson said.
Scholarships for Cocoa Farmers’ Children
Perhaps one of the most notable announcements is the introduction of the Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers. Scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 academic year, this initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on cocoa-producing families while encouraging educational advancement.
The scholarship program is expected to cover tuition fees and related costs, providing cocoa farming households with an added incentive to stay in the sector while supporting the next generation’s future.
Initial reactions from cocoa farmer associations have been largely positive. Many farmers have expressed relief at the timely increase, noting that it reflects government’s recognition of their role in sustaining Ghana’s economy.
“This is good news. The extra GHS400 per bag means more food on our tables and better living standards for our families,” a farmer from the Western Region noted.
However, some stakeholders have called for continuous monitoring to ensure that the additional income trickles down fully to farmers and not eroded by middlemen or illicit trade practices.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, continues to face the delicate balancing act of rewarding farmers while maintaining fiscal discipline. By keeping margins, fees, and rates for stakeholders such as COCOBOD unchanged, the government ensures that the price hike directly benefits farmers without destabilizing the broader value chain.
Analysts believe this move could help stabilize farmer incomes, enhance productivity, and ensure Ghana remains competitive in the international cocoa market, especially amid growing global demand.
A Sweet Future Ahead?
With this new pricing structure and COCOBOD’s additional interventions, the government is positioning cocoa farmers at the center of Ghana’s economic growth. If effectively implemented, the initiative could transform rural communities, encourage youth participation in cocoa farming, and sustain Ghana’s status as a global cocoa powerhouse.
The combination of increased income, free input support, and education scholarships signals a holistic strategy to empower cocoa farming families. For many farmers, this is indeed a “sweet victory” worth celebrating.
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