Ghana’s cocoa sector is facing growing uncertainty ahead of the 2026/2027 purchasing season, with distressed farmers appealing to President John Dramani Mahama for urgent intervention over funding challenges, producer prices and proposed changes to the cocoa industry.
The Young Cocoa Farmers Association, in a petition to the President, said difficulties experienced during the 2025/2026 season left many farmers financially distressed and struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
The farmers said the challenges affected cocoa production, marketing and household incomes, with many young farmers unable to meet their production targets or expected earnings.
Farmers struggle to sell cocoa
According to the association, a major challenge during the minor season was the inability of many Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and purchasing clerks to secure sufficient funds to buy cocoa beans from farmers.
The shortage of funds made it difficult for farmers to sell their produce and access income needed to support their families and maintain their farms.
The farmers said the situation was particularly difficult because cocoa buyers traditionally provide advances and credit facilities during this period, helping farmers finance their operations until the main harvest season.
However, financial constraints affecting some buyers meant they were unable to provide the necessary support, putting additional pressure on farming households.
The association warned that continued financial difficulties among buyers could undermine the sustainability of cocoa production.
Farmers seek clarity ahead of new season
With the 2026/2027 cocoa season approaching, the farmers said uncertainty remains high over the availability of funds, producer prices and the official start date for cocoa purchases.
They said the lack of clarity is making it difficult for farmers to plan farm investments, arrange labour, purchase inputs and set production targets.
In their petition dated August 17, 2026, the farmers therefore asked President Mahama and his government to provide clear information on whether sufficient funds will be available to purchase cocoa throughout the coming season.
They also want measures to prevent a repeat of the financing problems experienced during the previous season.
Farmers demand clarity on cocoa prices
The Young Cocoa Farmers Association is also seeking clarification on whether the producer price of cocoa will remain stable or be reduced during the upcoming season.
Of particular concern is the policy under which cocoa farmers are expected to receive 70% of the value of cocoa.
The farmers want the government to explain how the policy will be implemented and what it means for their incomes.
They further appealed for prices that adequately reflect the cost of production and provide farmers with a reasonable return on their investment.
Call for engagement on 2026 Cocoa Bill
Another major issue raised in the petition is the proposed 2026 Cocoa Bill.
The farmers are calling for direct engagement with cocoa-producing communities to explain the Bill’s key provisions, implications and potential benefits.
They argued that greater consultation and transparency would help farmers understand the proposed changes and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting the future of the sector.
The association described cocoa farmers as the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa industry and major contributors to the country’s export earnings.
It therefore urged the government to provide timely information, policy certainty and assurances ahead of the new purchasing season.
The farmers said decisive action would help restore confidence in the cocoa sector and enable them to plan their production and investments more effectively.
The petition was copied to the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana COCOBOD, the Speaker of Parliament, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Food and Agriculture and media organisations.
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