The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that cocoa farmers in Ghana receive more than double the price that is offered to farmers in the Ivory Coast.
In comments made following President John Dramani Mahama’s delivery of the 2026 State of the Nation Address, Ayariga referenced a Reuters report indicating that the Ivory Coast will compensate cocoa farmers with 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram for the mid-crop commencing on March 1, which is approximately equivalent to 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag.
In contrast, farmers in Ghana are compensated with GHC 2,587 per 64kg bag. Ayariga emphasized that these figures demonstrate the nation’s ongoing commitment to its cocoa industry and its competitive pricing strategies.
“Mr Speaker, it appears that today’s discussion revolves around cocoa prices. I can appreciate that. Mr Speaker, allow me to quote from Reuters today. Reuters has verified that the Ivory Coast will pay cocoa farmers 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram for the mid-crop starting March 1. The price for the main crop was 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram. When converted to Ghana cedis, this amounts to approximately 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag,” he remarked.
Ghana’s cocoa industry is currently facing significant financial challenges, as Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have struggled to compensate farmers for cocoa that has already been delivered to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). Reports indicate that COCOBOD owes LBCs over GH¢8.8 billion, which has left many companies in a financially precarious position, hindering their ability to continue purchasing.
In an effort to stabilize the industry, the government announced on February 12 a decrease in the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, which is equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.
