The Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), the umbrella body representing cocoa farmers nationwide, has expressed strong support for the government's recent announcement of a new cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 crop season.

At a press briefing in Accra under the theme “Supporting Ghana’s Cocoa Vision – A United Voice of the Farmer,” National President Alhaji Alhassan Bukari applauded the government and Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for what he described as a fair and forward-looking decision that reflects both economic realities and farmer interests.

COCOSHE praised the adjustment of the cocoa price from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag, equivalent to GH¢51,660 per tonne.

The new price represents 70% of the achieved Free-on-Board (FoB) price and is a significant improvement over the previous season’s 63.9% share.

According to Alhaji Bukari, this increase demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmer welfare despite prevailing exchange rate challenges, including the recent sharp appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar.

“In many other producing countries, the price would have been slashed. But here, the Government and COCOBOD chose instead to protect farmers,” he noted.

COCOSHE acknowledged the inclusive approach taken in determining the new price. Four farmer representatives were involved in the Producer Price Review Committee, and COCOBOD consulted all regional COCOSHE heads.

“We appreciate the transparency shown. This was not a backroom decision,” Bukari said.

The association welcomed a suite of new government and COCOBOD-led initiatives aimed at revitalising the cocoa sector and supporting rural livelihoods.

These initiatives include the free distribution of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, flower inducers, and spraying machines beginning in the 2025/2026 season, the launch of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System to meet global standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation, a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers set to begin in the 2026/2027 academic year, and the transfer of the cocoa roads portfolio from COCOBOD to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, allowing COCOBOD to focus more effectively on its core mandate.

COCOSHE also commended President Mahama for initiating the scholarship program, describing it as a beacon of hope for thousands of rural families.

While endorsing the government’s efforts, COCOSHE called for improved efficiency in distributing subsidised farm inputs, clear communication on pricing and exchange rates, and expanded farmer education on the traceability system. The association pledged to support COCOBOD in implementing these reforms, including sensitisation at the community level.

Bukari emphasised that cocoa farmers are not saboteurs but partners in national development.

“We are not here to protest. We are here to commend,” he said.

“Ghanaian cocoa farmers are patriotic and hardworking. Our vision is to see cocoa farmers recognised not just as producers, but as agents of economic transformation.”

The press statement concluded with a call for unity among cocoa farmers and continued cooperation with COCOBOD and the state.

“We urge our fellow farmers to remain calm, cooperative, and hopeful. Let’s speak with one voice and stay the course toward a sustainable cocoa future,” Bukari concluded.