Ghana sets 2025/26 cocoa producer price as West African output pressures boost regional market outlook 

GHANA – Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has confirmed the producer price for cocoa beans for the 2025/2026 main crop season, which began on Thursday, August 7, 2025. 

In an official circular, COCOBOD stated that Grade I cocoa beans will sell at GH¢1,549.92 (US$146.88) per load of 30 kilogrammes and GH¢3,229 (US$306.00) per bag of 64 kilogrammes gross. A tonne of 16 bags will be priced at GH¢51,664.  

The circular, signed by Acting Chief Executive Dr. Ransford Abbey, added that purchases will be conducted at all designated buying centres. 

Last week, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson highlighted that the government had maintained the cedi equivalent of US$3,100 per tonne at GH¢16 to US$1 for several months to shield farmers from income losses.  

He also announced approved margins and fees for stakeholders in the cocoa value chain, including licensed buyers, hauliers, warehouse operators, and quality control units. Additionally, jute bags will be supplied to facilitate smooth operations for the new season. 

The government will also distribute free liquid and granular fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, and flower inducers to cocoa farmers to support yield improvement. 

Cameroon expects strong prices 

Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has projected strong producer prices for the 2025/26 season, which also commenced on August 7.  

Buyers are expected to pay between CFA3,200 (US$$5.68) and CFA5,400 (US$$9.58) per kilogram, driven by high demand from global chocolate manufacturers who value Cameroonian cocoa for its distinctive flavour. This year, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) recognised Cameroon’s beans as part of the exclusive “fine cocoa” category. 

Cameroon’s market outlook is also influenced by anticipated lower output from Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, supplying about 40% of global demand. 

Industry players in Côte d’Ivoire expect a challenging 2025/26 season due to below-average rainfall forecasts from the meteorological authority, Sodexam, in the southern cocoa belt from April to mid-November. This could affect the harvest starting in October. 

Global cocoa production dropped by 11% in the 2023/2024 season, leading to a supply deficit of 374,000 tonnes, compared to 74,000 tonnes the year before.  

Poor harvests in Côte d’Ivoire, driven by climate pressures and aging plantations, tightened supply and previously pushed Cameroonian producer prices above CFA6,000 per kilogram in certain regions. 

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