Bawumia to Develop Alternative Policy Measures for Ghana’s Cocoa Sector
NPP flagbearer seeks expert-backed solutions following concerns over cocoa producer price reduction.
- Bawumia to develop alternative cocoa policies.
- Committee engages farmers nationwide.
- Price reduction raises industry concerns.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced plans to formulate alternative policy proposals aimed at addressing challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa sector following concerns over the government’s recent reduction in cocoa producer prices.
The announcement follows the presentation of a report by a Minority Caucus Select Committee, which toured cocoa-growing communities across the country to engage farmers and assess the impact of recent developments within the industry.
The government’s decision on February 12 to reduce the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season has generated widespread concern among cocoa farmers and industry stakeholders. Many fear the move could negatively affect farmer incomes and the long-term sustainability of cocoa production.
To gather firsthand information on the situation, the Minority Caucus established a select committee led by Frank Annoh-Dompreh. The committee conducted a nationwide tour of cocoa-producing areas, engaging farmers and other stakeholders to gather their views and recommendations.
Speaking during the presentation of the committee’s report, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that the findings would be forwarded to the NPP’s Policy Committee on Agriculture, Food Security and Agribusiness for detailed review.
According to him, the committee will assess the report, consult relevant experts, and develop practical and costed policy alternatives to address the concerns raised during the stakeholder engagements.
“What I am looking at with the presentation of this report is to take this Select Committee report to the Policy Committee on Agriculture, Food Security and Agribusiness. We are going to ask this committee to technically review the findings, consult experts in the area, and then bring forward costed policy alternatives for us,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the proposed measures would be evidence-based and focused on improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers while ensuring the long-term viability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
He added that the recommendations would contribute to broader policy discussions on agricultural development, food security, and strategies to revitalise the cocoa sector.
The anticipated policy proposals are expected to play a significant role in shaping discussions on the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry, a key contributor to the national economy and a major source of income for thousands of farming households.
