Ghana maintains cocoa producer price despite global market drop

Ghana's government, through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has announced that the producer price for cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2026 Light Crop Season. Despite a downward trend in global cocoa prices, the price will stay at GH¢1,241.76 per 30-kilogram load for Grade I and II beans. This move is intended to safeguard the incomes and livelihoods of cocoa farmers as the harvest season approaches.

Purchases for the light crop season, which typically runs from June to September and accounts for a smaller portion of Ghana's annual cocoa output, are set to begin on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The decision to maintain the producer price underscores the government's commitment to shielding farmers from the impact of international market fluctuations. A tonne of cocoa will continue to fetch GH¢41,392.00.

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The producer price will remain at GH¢1,241.76 per load of 30 kilogrammes for Grade I and II cocoa beans and GH¢2,587.00 per bag of 64 kilogrammes gross.

Ghana, as the world's second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d'Ivoire, relies heavily on cocoa exports for foreign exchange. The government's intervention aims to provide stability and confidence to farmers, encouraging them to sell through approved channels. COCOBOD has also reminded farmers to ensure their beans meet Grade I and II standards and to sell only to Licensed Buying Companies to prevent exploitation.

This decision follows similar government interventions in previous seasons designed to buffer farmers against global market volatility. COCOBOD has also implemented programs to boost productivity, including hand pollination and disease control measures. The light crop season purchases are expected to conclude in September 2026, preceding the main crop season.

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The decision underscores the government's commitment to protecting the incomes and livelihoods of cocoa farmers, even as international cocoa prices experience a downward trend.