Minority Demands Urgent Cocoa Price Increase, Warns of Smuggling Surge and Farmer Discontent

The call was made during a press briefing in Kumasi, led by Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs and MP for Offinso South. Opoku criticized the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the ruling government for what he described as excuses and inconsistencies in addressing farmers' concerns.

“Enough of the blame game. This government must honor its word and give farmers what they were promised,” Opoku stated.

Campaign Promises Under Scrutiny

The controversy stems from a promise made during the 2024 election campaign by then-candidate John Dramani Mahama, who pledged to double the cocoa price to GH¢6,000 per 64kg bag, aligning with global cocoa market trends.

Although the former administration had raised the producer price to GH¢48,000 per tonne—translating to GH¢3,000 per bag—the Minority argues that current realities, including stronger global cocoa prices, demand more.

They criticized the government for not following through post-election, accusing the administration of “saying one thing before elections and doing another after victory.”

“Were those promises just bait to win votes?” the Minority questioned.

Contradictory Statements from COCOBOD

Adding fuel to the fire, the Minority highlighted recent mixed signals from COCOBOD. On April 8, 2025, the board cited “operational challenges” for its inability to adjust prices. Yet, within 24 hours, a follow-up statement listed different justifications, leading the Minority to label the situation as “highly disappointing and confusing.”

“COCOBOD’s credibility is at stake. If they can't speak with one voice, how can farmers trust their intentions?” Opoku asked.

Financial Muscle, but Where’s the Action?

According to the caucus, COCOBOD is more than financially capable of supporting a price increase. With over 560,000 tonnes of cocoa already purchased and $2 billion in export receipts reported through the Bank of Ghana, they argue that Ghanaian farmers deserve a bigger share of the pie.

“This is not a matter of affordability, but of political will and prioritization,” the Minority stressed.

Smuggling: A Growing Threat

The group also raised alarm over a widening regional price gap, pointing to Côte d’Ivoire’s recent 22% increase in its cocoa farmgate price. Ivorian farmers now earn over GH¢3,600 per bag, creating a financial incentive for smugglers to reroute Ghana’s cocoa across the border.

“Our cocoa economy is at risk. If we fail to act now, smuggling will escalate and farmers will abandon their farms for illegal mining or other ventures,” they warned.

A Call for Action

The Minority ended its remarks with a direct appeal:
“This is not just an economic issue—it’s a matter of national interest and security. No more excuses. The government and COCOBOD must fulfill their pledge and ensure farmers are paid a minimum of GH¢6,000 per bag.”

As Ghana continues to champion its cocoa industry on the global stage, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether words will be backed by action.

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