Ghana increases cocoa producer price by 62.6% for 2025/26 season to boost farmer earnings
The new cocoa price aims to improve farmer incomes and fulfil the government’s promise of aligning earnings with FOB value.
GHANA – Ghana has announced a 62.58% increase in the producer price of cocoa, raising it from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne for the 2025/2026 season.
The price adjustment is in line with President John Mahama’s campaign pledge to raise farmers’ share of export earnings to at least 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value—the market price of cocoa at the port of export.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson reiterated the government’s commitment to cocoa farmers, describing them as a critical pillar of the country’s economy.
He stated that the revised price reflects the current FOB rate of US$7,200, which is based on a blend of previously signed contracts at US$2,600 and forward sales forecasts for the upcoming season.
In the 2024/2025 season, cocoa farmers received US$3,100 per tonne, amounting to 63.9% of the US$4,850 FOB value. The new pricing structure is aimed at improving income levels for farmers amid a stronger cedi and easing inflation.
To further support cocoa production, the government announced the reintroduction of its free fertiliser programme. The initiative includes the distribution of fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, spraying equipment, and flower inducers, all aimed at boosting crop yields and increasing farmer income.
In terms of financing, Forson confirmed that the government will continue to use syndicated loans for cocoa purchases in the 2025/2026 season.
This long-standing model, involving loans from international banks, has been central to sustaining production and farmer livelihoods over the years.
The minister added that the government is working with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to explore long-term financing strategies to ensure the sector’s sustainability and resilience.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
