Ghana’s cocoa export earnings triple in H1 2025 amid climate concerns, looming output decline 

GHANA – Ghana’s cocoa sector posted strong revenue growth in the first half of 2025, with export earnings nearly tripling compared to the same period in 2024.  

Data from the Bank of Ghana indicates that the country earned US$2.17 billion between January and June 2025, up from US$762.5 million recorded during the first half of 2024. 

The surge in cocoa earnings has significantly contributed to Ghana’s trade performance. As of June 2025, the trade balance had more than tripled year-on-year, underscoring cocoa’s continued role as a major foreign exchange earner. 

However, the export milestone has been tempered by growing concerns about the sustainability of cocoa production.  

Ghana’s cocoa regulator, COCOBOD, has cautioned that output for the current season may see a moderate decline. This warning follows field assessments and reports from farmer associations indicating worsening conditions in cocoa-growing areas. 

Farmer groups and industry stakeholders point to climate-related challenges as the root of the problem. Persistent rainfall, cooler-than-usual temperatures, and limited sunlight have created ideal conditions for fungal diseases. Among them, black pod disease has emerged as a severe threat to cocoa trees, affecting yield and productivity. 

“We visited 72 cocoa-growing districts and saw visible signs of fungal infections on cocoa trees,” said Nana Oboadie Bonsu, president of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association.  

“If not addressed, this could cripple farmer incomes and disrupt the future of cocoa production in Ghana.” 

In response to these challenges, COCOBOD has introduced a new performance management strategy aimed at revitalising the sector. The initiative adopts the Balanced Scorecard approach, which seeks to integrate performance into the organisation’s operational culture.  

Francis Ocran, Director of Human Resource at COCOBOD, described it as a leadership-driven framework designed to align goals across all levels of the institution. 

Meanwhile, Ghana is set to announce a revised producer price for cocoa before August 7, 2025. Following technical deliberations, the Producer Price Review Committee has submitted its recommendations, awaiting approval from Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. 

The current producer price is GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag and GH¢49,600 per metric tonne, with expectations of an upward adjustment due to global market trends. 

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.