The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has disbursed GH¢4.2 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to pay cocoa farmers who have been awaiting their dues since November 2025.

The release is part of COCOBOD’s ongoing efforts to clear outstanding debts in the cocoa sector and restore confidence among farmers and other stakeholders. The move follows reforms announced in February by Cassiel Ato Forson to restructure the industry and address arrears across the cocoa value chain.

Progress on Farmer Payments

Speaking to Citi FM, COCOBOD’s Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Sam, said the funds have already been released to LBCs to enable payments to farmers. While some farmers have received their payments, others are still waiting due to prior financing arrangements.

“Since 2023, challenges with the syndicated loan meant LBCs sometimes pre-financed cocoa purchases, and COCOBOD later reimburses them. That explains why some farmers have already been paid while others are still awaiting their dues,” Mr Sam explained.

Ensuring Timely Payments

Sam emphasised that COCOBOD is working to improve liquidity within the cocoa purchasing system to ensure prompt payments and sustain production across Ghana’s cocoa-growing regions.

“We are committed to settling every cedi owed to LBCs so they can clear outstanding debts with farmers. Our goal is to complete all payments before the close of the 2025/2026 cocoa season, expected around August or September,” he said.