COCOBOD ENGAGES KEY STAKEHOLDERS ON THE NEW GHANA COCOA BOARD BILL, 2026

Date: 07th August 2026

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has begun a nationwide stakeholder engagement campaign following Parliament’s passage of the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, to build awareness and support for the proposed legislation ahead of a Presidential Assent.

Led by the Chief Executive, Dr. Randy Abbey, the engagements brought together cocoa farmer groups, Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), cocoa processors, staff unions and associations, civil society organisations, and the media. The discussions focused on explaining the key provisions of the Bill and its expected impact on Ghana’s cocoa sector.

The engagement series began with cocoa farmer associations, including the Cocoa Coffee Shea Nut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) and the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers Association (GCCFA). Dr. Abbey explained that the Bill replaces the 1984 law with a modern legal framework designed to address current industry challenges. Key reforms include a sustainable funding model, a producer pricing mechanism that guarantees farmers at least 70 per cent of the Free-on-Board (FOB) price, enhanced traceability, stronger farm protection measures, improved farmer welfare, and the establishment of a Cocoa Forum to deepen stakeholder engagement.

Subsequent meetings with the Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) and cocoa processing companies highlighted provisions relating to the new funding model, producer pricing framework, financial discipline within the cocoa value chain, and measures to promote local value addition through a more reliable supply of cocoa beans. Cocoa processors welcomed the reforms and pledged their support for the implementation of the law.

Management also engaged heads of unions and staff associations across COCOBOD, its subsidiaries and divisions, assuring staff that the reforms are aimed at strengthening the institution and improving its long-term financial sustainability. Dr. Abbey announced that, from 2029, both senior and junior staff would have an increased membership representation on the Board of Directors, reflecting the Bill’s commitment to inclusive governance.

The stakeholder engagement concluded with a media briefing in Accra, where Dr. Abbey addressed misconceptions surrounding the Bill and encouraged stakeholders to review the final legislation once it receives Presidential Assent and is published. He described the Bill as a landmark reform that will modernise the governance of Ghana’s cocoa sector, strengthen accountability, enhance farmer welfare, and promote sustainable growth. 

He added that stakeholder engagements would continue at the regional, district, and community levels to support the effective implementation of the new  Bill.