Friday February 13, 2026 – 11:12 PM
The government of Ghana announced a price reduction Buy cocoa From farmers, in a step aimed at bringing the local price closer to international levels after cocoa prices fell to about $4,000 per ton, equivalent to half its value a year ago, according to statements by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson.
Ghana reduces cocoa prices to restore global competitiveness
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, had previously maintained the farm price at $5,300 per ton, which officials said was a reason for international buyers to shy away from Ghanaian cocoa, according to the Business Africa platform.
“The current situation is largely due to the unwillingness of buyers to buy Ghanaian cocoa because it has become uncompetitive and expensive,” Forson noted, explaining that this price imbalance has led to the accumulation of large unsold quantities and delayed payments, affecting thousands of farming families who have faced difficulties in covering food expenses, school fees, and farm maintenance.
In this context, the government directed the Cocobod Authority to begin paying arrears immediately, and announced a new financing model based on local cocoa bonds paid from the proceeds of the same season, with the aim of reducing external borrowing and improving financial liquidity.
Accra also plans to enact legislation linking the farm price to international indicators, while ensuring that farmers receive at least 70% of the total FOB price, while the Farmers’ Coalition has expressed its willingness to accept lower prices in the future on the condition that arrears are settled.
The government is also focusing on enhancing local cocoa manufacturing, with 30-40% of production currently being processed, with a target to raise the percentage to 50% by the 2026/2027 season, including the rehabilitation of the State Cocoa Processing Company to enhance value added locally.
