Cocoa price cut unfair to farmers - NPP communicator

The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Communications Officer for Akan Constituency, Frank Adjei-Worlanyo has criticised the governing NDC over the recent reduction in the cocoa producer price, describing the move as insensitive and a departure from its campaign assurances to farmers.

He said the cut from GH¢3,625.00 to GH¢2,587.00 per 64kg bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, following what government described as a reset of the pricing formula, amounted to what he termed a betrayal of cocoa farmers.

The revised rate was announced on Thursday, February 12, by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who indicated that the new producer price stands at GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag.

Adjei-Worlanyo argued that while in opposition, the NDC had accused the previous NPP administration of underpaying farmers and pledged to raise the producer price from GH¢3,100 to GH¢7,500 per bag ahead of the 2024 general election.

According to him, many farmers relied on those promises, expanded their farms and made additional investments in anticipation of better returns.

He further alleged that some farmers are yet to receive payment for cocoa supplied since November 2025, and said the downward price review, coupled with reported arrears, has heightened frustration within cocoa-growing communities.

The NPP communicator maintained that the same pricing adjustments now being implemented would have been strongly opposed by the NDC if introduced by the previous government.

He called on authorities to clear outstanding payments and engage stakeholders across the cocoa sector to rebuild trust.

Government officials, however, have attributed the adjustment to prevailing global market conditions and liquidity constraints.

Industry analysts note that international price fluctuations, exchange rate pressures and financing challenges continue to affect the Ghana Cocoa Board and the wider cocoa value chain.

The development has sparked debate in cocoa-producing areas, with concerns mounting over the sustainability of livelihoods amid rising production costs.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s top export earners and a critical source of foreign exchange for the economy.