REVIEW OF THE PRODUCER PRICE OF COCOA FOR THE 2026/27 COCOA SEASON

Date: 25th September 2026

Following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, we have collectively arrived at the producer price of cocoa and the applicable rates and fees for the 2026/27 cocoa season.

This is in line with the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), which introduces significant reforms to strengthen the governance and long-term sustainability of Ghana's cocoa industry.

Among other provisions, the Act guarantees the Ghanaian cocoa farmer a minimum of 70% of the realized Gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price of cocoa. It also strengthens the protection of cocoa farms from illegal small-scale mining, introduces a new financing framework to support increased domestic value addition, and prohibits COCOBOD from engaging in quasi-fiscal activities.

These reforms are intended to transform the cocoa sector, strengthen its financial and institutional foundations, improve returns to farmers and place the industry on a sustainable path of growth and prosperity.

As we prepare for the 2026/27 Crop Season, Government recognizes the expectations of all stakeholders, particularly our cherished cocoa farmers. Accordingly, the necessary logistics have been provided to support the smooth commencement and conduct of the season.

PRODUCER PRICE
The producer price of cocoa has been increased from GH¢41,392 per tonne in the 2025/26 season to GH¢42,400 per tonne for the 2026/27 cocoa season. This represents 71.18% of the realized Gross FOB value and translates into GH¢2,650 per 64-kilogram bag of cocoa, effective Friday, 25th September, 2026.

Beyond the producer price, Government will continue to implement Productivity Enhancement Programmes aimed at reducing the production burden on farmers and increasing farm productivity. These include the supply of free fertilizer, free hybrid cocoa seedlings and the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control Programme.

These interventions are intended to improve farm yields, enhance farmer incomes and contribute to the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, for a cocoa industry that remains robust, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations.

The new producer price is also expected to contribute significantly to efforts to curb the smuggling of cocoa. We therefore call on cocoa farmers, traditional authorities, Licensed Buying Companies, security agencies, cocoa-growing communities and all Ghanaians to support COCOBOD's efforts to protect Ghana's cocoa and build a sustainable industry in which farmers and their communities can thrive.

COCOA TRACEABILITY AND EUDR COMPLIANCE
We are also pleased to inform stakeholders COCOBOD has fully deployed the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS) across all cocoa-growing areas of the country.

Ghana is therefore ready to comply with the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is expected to take effect from 30th December, 2026.

The Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS), positions Ghana to supply the European Union market, with cocoa that is traceable, deforestation-free, child-labour-free and legally produced, while strengthening transparency and sustainability across the cocoa value chain.

OTHER RATES AND FEES
Existing rates and fees applicable to other stakeholders within the cocoa supply chain have been maintained. These include buyers' margins, hauliers' rates, warehousing and internal marketing costs, as well as, fees for disinfestation, grading & sealing, and scale inspection.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT
We remain committed to working with cocoa farmers and all industry stakeholders to improve productivity, strengthen transparency and traceability, protect cocoa farms, promote domestic value addition and build a financially sustainable cocoa industry.

EFFECTIVE DATE AND OPENING OF THE SEASON
The reviewed producer price and the applicable margins and rates for the 2026/27 crop year, shall take effect from Friday, 25th September, 2026.

We hereby declare the 2026/27 Cocoa Season duly opened.

ISSUED BY:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Department, Ghana Cocoa BoardOffice Direct Line: (0302) 66-17-66, E-mail: [email protected]