Cabinet has moved to introduce reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector following mounting pressure over delayed payments to farmers and the deepening financial strain at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

The decision was announced by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, after an emergency Cabinet meeting convened on February 11, 2026, to confront what government officials describe as a growing crisis in the industry.

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At the heart of the discussions were the persistent delays in paying cocoa farmers and the broader financial challenges weighing down COCOBOD’s operations.

In recent weeks, farmers in several cocoa-growing regions have voiced frustration over unpaid monies for beans supplied since late 2025. Many say the delays are not just administrative setbacks but real-life hardships affecting their ability to provide for their families, pay school fees, and access healthcare.

Delay in cocoa payments raises farmers' anxiety

Government says the reforms are intended to tackle these structural and financial weaknesses head-on, restore confidence in the sector’s governance, and, most importantly, ensure farmers are paid on time.

“We have just concluded a lengthy cabinet meeting, which was an emergency session that discussed the cocoa sector and matters arising there. And at the end of the emergency session, decisive measures have been agreed upon regarding expedited payments to cocoa farmers and the implementation of the most drastic reforms in the cocoa sector,” Kwakye Ofosu said.

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to provide further details in a national address on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

“At 11 am on Thursday, the finance minister will address the people of Ghana and announce these far-reaching measures as agreed upon at the end of the cabinet meeting.”

The anticipated reforms are expected to include financial restructuring, improved transparency and accountability mechanisms, and safeguards aimed at protecting farmer incomes. The measures are designed to stabilise the industry and preserve Ghana’s standing as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.

Watch the video below:

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye has announced that the finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson would address the State on new reforms with the cocoa sector.

The announcement follows an emergency meeting to address matters relating to… pic.twitter.com/nLYYMiRqkP

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) February 11, 2026