Political interference is worsening the challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa farmers, who remain unpaid for beans sold since November 2025, according to Obed Owusu-Addai, convenor of the Ghana Cocoa Civil Society Platform.
Farmers are struggling to make ends meet, with some forced to sell their produce at discounted prices or abandon cocoa farming altogether. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) had agreed to purchase cocoa at GH¢3,625 per 64-kilogram bag, but payments have yet to be made.
Owusu-Addai said the government’s slow response has raised questions about its commitment to the sector. “If farmers need to go on the streets; threaten to go on strike and destruction of their beans for the government to act then there’s a question mark,” he told Karen Antwi on Bullet Business.
He stressed cocoa’s importance to the national economy. “Averagely, every year if we manage the sector very well, cocoa brings in between 4 to 6 billion dollars, so it is a huge sector that needs to be taken seriously,” he said.
Owusu-Addai blamed political interference for the current crisis. “We have gotten here because of politization of the cocoa sector. COCOBOD has become too big, they are into quality control, marketing… we think it’s about time COCOBOD focuses on their mandate given to them by the law,” he noted.
He also called for greater private sector involvement, saying the Cocoa Marketing Company has often struggled with volumes and financing. “Maybe it’s about we invited the private sector into that space to support the COCOBOD in its marketing of beans,” he added.
The situation has sparked concerns about the long-term sustainability of cocoa farming and the government’s ability to support one of Ghana’s most vital industries.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is scheduled to address the nation Thursday, Feb. 11, to outline details of the new measures to resolve issues within the cocoa sector following a cabinet meeting called by President on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
