Gov’t Increases Cocoa Price to GH¢51,660 per Tonne, Reintroduces Free Fertiliser and Launches Scholarship for Farmers’ Children

The Government of Ghana has announced an upward adjustment in the producer price of cocoa from GH¢49,600 to GH¢51,660 per tonne, representing GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 cocoa season.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, at a press conference in Accra on Monday, August 4, 2025. The increment, which reflects 70% of the gross Free-On-Board (FOB) value of $7,200 per tonne, is part of government’s renewed efforts to improve the livelihoods of Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

According to Dr. Forson, the decision aligns with President Mahama’s commitment to ensuring cocoa farmers receive at least 70% of the FOB price. In dollar terms, the producer price has increased from $3,100 to $5,040 per tonne, representing a 62.58% rise.

He further highlighted that this increase is supported by a strong Ghana cedi and declining inflation, which have enabled the government to cushion farmers against market volatility. Since early 2025, the government maintained the cedi value of $3,100 per tonne at GH¢16/USD, effectively subsidizing cocoa farmers with GH¢1,114 per bag due to cedi appreciation.

Key interventions for the 2025/2026 cocoa season include:

Reintroduction of the free cocoa fertiliser programme (liquid and granular)

Free supply of insecticides, fungicides, spraying machines, and flower inducers

Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers, effective from the 2026/27 academic year

Rollout of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation by December 31, 2025

Refocusing COCOBOD solely on its core mandate, with all cocoa road projects transferred to the Ministry of Roads and Highways

The Finance Minister assured that the new leadership of COCOBOD has the full backing of government to transform the cocoa sector, increase yields, and restore the industry’s critical role in the national economy.

“Government remains committed to sustaining the cocoa industry and ensuring that our farmers receive the recognition and support they truly deserve,” Dr. Forson said.

God bless the cocoa farmer.