Cocoa farmers in Assin Fosu in the Central region have responded with mixed emotions to the government’s newly announced cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 season.
In separate interviews with Citi News on Tuesday August 5 during a field visit by journalists undergoing the GIZ-SCP media training, some appreciated the increase and saw it as part of broader support for the sector, while others felt the rise falls short of their expectations.
The new producer price, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on August 4, increases the rate from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne—a 62.58% jump. It represents 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value, aligning with President John Mahama’s promise to cocoa farmers.
The new price of GHS 3,228.75 per 64kg bag will take effect on August 7, 2025.
But for some farmers, the price increase is welcome news—especially when paired with additional support programmes announced by the government.
Samuel Torbi, a seasoned cocoa and an award farmer with over 40 acres of farmland, expressed satisfaction with the new price. He praised the government for delivering on its promise and supporting farmers through various interventions.
“Because now farmers are no more illiterates, we also check the world market price that the president promised that he will deliver and give us 70% Free on Board, so normally we follow,” he said.
Torbi added that based on their own checks, the announced price wasn’t surprising but was still appreciated.
“So when we check it, we are not surprised, so we take it like that. But we are very happy (about the increase).”
He also pointed to broader initiatives aimed at supporting farmers beyond just pricing.
“He is using some strategy to help we cocoa farmers — the free fertilizer example is enough, and even they said they will be giving us free machines, chemicals and even our children who are in tertiary scholarship. In fact, it is a lot of money. So we are very happy about the price.”
However, Torbi was quick to add a note of caution, urging the government to stay true to its word in the future.
“But we pray when the price goes up, the president will not forget us — he will deliver on his promise.”
Not all farmers felt the same. Joseph Mensah, who cultivates between 15 to 16 acres of cocoa, was openly disappointed.
“We are not happy. We expected more because the government promised more.”
Mensah believes that while pricing is important, access to farming inputs is equally critical for productivity and livelihood.
“We need the government to give us chemicals and fertilizers too to help our work.”
For him, the promised input support remains a key issue that must be addressed if cocoa farmers are to see real benefits from the pricing adjustments.
Another farmer, Peter Adjalo, shared a similar sentiment. While he acknowledged the government’s announcement, he felt the new price did not meet his expectations.
“I was expecting more,” he said briefly, reflecting the disappointment felt by a section of farmers who had hoped for a higher rate per bag.
Meanwhile, the government has committed to increasing cocoa farmers’ share of earnings, introducing free fertilizer, pesticides, spraying machines, and even a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for the children of cocoa farmers. A Cocoa Traceability System is also set to be rolled out to meet international standards, especially under the EU’s Deforestation Regulation.
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