President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged that reducing the cocoa producer price was a difficult and unpopular decision, but insists it may be necessary to safeguard the long-term stability of the country’s cocoa sector.

Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, he explained that, while the move could place short-term strain on farmers, it is being considered as part of broader efforts to address financial pressures, sustain industry growth, and protect Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.

“The difference between economic hardship and avoiding the same is the exercise of sound economic judgement. I am determined to take decisions that ensure our collective well-being and avoid the sufferings of all our citizens. These are decisions to take, but, Mr Speaker, I had to take them,” he said.

The government recently announced a downward review of the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.