SONA 2026: Cocoa Producer Price Cut Was Difficult but Necessary – President Mahama
Mahama says price reduction aims to address cocoa sector liquidity challenges and protect Ghana’s economic stability in the long term
- Government lowered cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne for the 2025/2026 crop season
- Mahama said the decision was necessary to address financial constraints and avoid excessive government borrowing
- He assured farmers that ongoing sector reforms will ensure fair and competitive prices in the future
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price was a tough but essential measure to protect Ghana’s economic stability.
The government recently lowered the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, or GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.
Speaking during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, President Mahama explained that the adjustment was required to address serious liquidity constraints within the cocoa sector. He noted that maintaining the previous price would have forced the government to borrow heavily, risking a return to the economic challenges the country has worked to overcome.
He stressed that although the decision was difficult, it was necessary to protect the broader economy and ensure long-term stability.
“The difference between economic hardship and avoiding it lies in sound economic judgement. I am determined to make decisions that protect our collective wellbeing and prevent further suffering,” he said.
The President also reassured cocoa farmers that ongoing reforms in the cocoa sector would eventually transform the industry and ensure fair and competitive producer prices in the future.
