The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has increased the producer price of cocoa from GH¢41,392 per tonne in the 2025/26 season to GH¢42,400 per tonne for the 2026/27 cocoa season.
The revised price means cocoa farmers will now receive GH¢2,650 per 64-kilogram bag, up from GH¢2,587 per bag in the previous season.
The new price represents 71.18% of the realised Gross Free-on-Board (FOB) value and takes effect from Friday, September 25, 2026.
According to COCOBOD, the decision follows extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and is in line with the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182).
The Act guarantees Ghanaian cocoa farmers a minimum of 70% of the realised Gross FOB price of cocoa and introduces reforms aimed at strengthening the governance and long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry.
It also provides for stronger protection of cocoa farms from illegal small-scale mining, a new financing framework to support increased domestic value addition, and a prohibition on COCOBOD engaging in quasi-fiscal activities.
COCOBOD said the reforms are intended to improve returns to farmers while strengthening the financial and institutional foundations of the cocoa sector.
Support for farmers
Government is also maintaining its Productivity Enhancement Programmes aimed at reducing the production burden on farmers and improving farm productivity.
The interventions include the provision of free fertiliser, free hybrid cocoa seedlings and the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control Programme.
COCOBOD said these measures are expected to improve farm yields, enhance farmer incomes and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable cocoa industry.
The new producer price is also expected to support efforts to curb cocoa smuggling.
COCOBOD has therefore called on cocoa farmers, traditional authorities, Licensed Buying Companies, security agencies, cocoa-growing communities and the general public to support efforts to protect Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Ghana ready for EU traceability requirements
COCOBOD also announced that the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS) has been fully deployed across all cocoa-growing areas in the country.
The system is intended to enable Ghana to meet the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is expected to take effect from December 30, 2026.
According to COCOBOD, the traceability system positions Ghana to supply the European Union market with cocoa that is traceable, deforestation-free, child-labour-free and legally produced.
The system is also expected to strengthen transparency and sustainability across the cocoa value chain.
Other rates maintained
COCOBOD said existing rates and fees applicable to other stakeholders in 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 and sealing, and scale inspection.
The reviewed producer price and applicable margins and rates take effect from September 25, 2026.
COCOBOD has consequently declared the 2026/27 cocoa season officially open.
