Ghanaian cocoa farmers are once again urging the government to ensure they receive at least 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) price for cocoa exports. They argue that anything less continues to undervalue their role in the global supply chain.
This renewed demand follows a recent statement by President John Dramani Mahama during his Thank You tour in the Ahafo Region. He promised that a significantly improved cocoa producer price will be announced in August 2025.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Stephenson Anane Boateng, President of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, welcomed the promise but remained skeptical.
“Cocoa farmers are Ghanaians too. Our work drives the economy. The constitution says we should get 70% of the FOB price, so why do governments keep ignoring that?” he asked.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, relies heavily on its farmers. The prices they receive directly impact rural livelihoods and long-term farm investments.
Boateng also criticized plans for large-scale commercial cocoa farming, warning that such projects could marginalize smallholder farmers. “I don’t see the essence of pushing for commercial cocoa farms without a clear strategy. Look at what happened to state farms under Nkrumah. Where are they now?” he said.
Notably, the previous administration raised the producer price from GH₵48,000 to GH₵49,600 per tonne in November 2024. That translated to a modest increase per 64kg bag, from GH₵3,000 to GH₵3,100.
Farmers insist that if Ghana is to sustain its position in global cocoa production, fair pricing and strategic planning must remain top priorities.
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