Farmers hopeful as government moves to expedite cocoa payments

Cocoa farmers are optimistic following government approval of emergency measures to fast-track payments owed to producers across the country.

Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, had announced that the Cabinet has also endorsed what he described as “the most far-reaching reforms in the history of the cocoa sector,” designed to shift Ghana’s focus from exporting raw cocoa beans to value-added production.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, farmer Patrick Japheth Danso said the sector’s liquidity challenges have discouraged many farmers and threatened youth participation in cocoa farming.

“I know the government is a listening government, so we are hoping they will keep their promises. We live to see what happens tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Danso warned that delayed payments and falling international cocoa prices are pushing some farmers to consider selling their lands to illegal miners, known locally as galamseyers.

“They are still trying to sell their land to galamseyers. But when you sell to them, you don’t get money,” he explained, urging timely payment to restore confidence in the sector.

The emergency measures come after farmers who delivered cocoa since November 2025 remain unpaid, with COCOBOD owing Licensed Buying Companies over GH¢10 billion.