Kadjebi Cocoa Farmers Reject New Producer Price, Describe It as “An Insult” and “A Betrayal”

Cocoa farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region have expressed outrage over the government’s newly announced cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 crop season, describing it as inadequate and disappointing.

The government recently increased the price of cocoa from GH¢3,228.00 to GH¢3,625.00 per 64kg bag — representing an increment of GH¢397.00. However, many farmers say the adjustment fails to reflect the current high cost of production, agrochemicals, and labour.

Several farmers described the increase as “an insult” and “a betrayal” of promises made to them during the 2024 election campaign.

A farmer from Dodo-Amanfrom, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the price was far below what they had anticipated.

“I feel very disappointed in my own government. This is not what we were promised. How do you justify just a GH¢397.00 increase when the cost of agrochemicals and labour has more than doubled?” he lamented.

He recalled that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while in opposition, had criticised the previous government for maintaining the cocoa price at GH¢3,228.00, describing it as unfair to farmers. The party, he noted, had pledged to raise the price to GH¢6,000.00 per bag if elected.

The farmer also raised concerns about potential cross-border smuggling, citing the significant price difference between Ghana and neighbouring countries.

“In Togo, a 64kg bag of cocoa currently sells for the equivalent of GH¢7,000.00. This can easily push farmers to smuggle their produce for better returns,” he warned.

Another farmer from the Cocoa Market area of Kadjebi shared similar frustrations, warning that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) may face difficulties purchasing cocoa from farmers this season if prices remain unchanged.

“Even when we sell to COCOBOD at lower prices out of patriotism, we face delays in payments. This makes things even more difficult for us,” he said.

The farmers are appealing to the government to review the producer price upward to at least GH¢5,000.00 per bag, citing the rising cost of inputs, inflation, and worsening economic conditions.

They have also called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, COCOBOD, and other relevant stakeholders to take urgent steps to address their concerns and protect Ghana’s cocoa sector, a key pillar of the national economy and source of livelihood for millions of households.