Government Increases Cocoa Producer Price by 62.58% for 2025/2026 Season
The new price of $5,040 per tonne reflects President Mahama’s promise to pay cocoa farmers 70% of the FOB value, alongside the reintroduction of free fertilisers, scholarships, and a new traceability system to boost the sector.
- Cocoa price raised from $3,100 to $5,040 per tonne — a 62.58% increase.
- Government reintroduces free fertiliser programme to support farmers.
- New traceability system ensures cocoa is EU-compliant and deforestation-free
The Government of Ghana has announced a significant increase in the cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 season, raising it from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne, representing a 62.58% jump in dollar terms.
This move aligns with President John Mahama’s commitment to ensure cocoa farmers receive at least 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value, which currently stands at US$7,200 per tonne.
The decision was approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, ahead of the new cocoa season opening on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The new rate translates to GHS51,660 per tonne or GHS3,228.75 per 64kg bag, calculated at an exchange rate of GHS10.25 to US$1. The government emphasized that the pricing reflects a strong cedi and falling inflation and shows a clear commitment to farmer welfare.
To cushion farmers against foreign exchange losses earlier this year, the government maintained an exchange rate of GHS16 to US$1, effectively subsidizing GHS1,114 per bag—raising farmer income share from 63.9% to over 99% of the FOB price during that period.
Free Fertiliser Programme Returns
The Free Cocoa Fertiliser Programme is back for the 2025/2026 season. Cocoa farmers will receive free liquid and granular fertilisers, fungicides, insecticides, spraying machines, and flower inducers.
Scholarships for Cocoa Farmers’ Children
A new Tertiary Scholarship Scheme will roll out this season for the children of cocoa farmers, with full implementation starting in the 2026/27 academic year.
Cocoa Traceability System Launched
To meet EU Deforestation Regulation requirements, Ghana will begin implementing a Cocoa Traceability System this season. The system ensures Ghanaian cocoa is deforestation-free, child labour-free, and fully traceable from farm to port.
COCOBOD Reforms:
The government plans to amend the Ghana Cocoa Board Act in the 2026 Budget, to restrict COCOBOD from engaging in activities outside its core mandate.
All cocoa roads will be handed over to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and COCOBOD will focus solely on boosting yields and farmer support.
