The government of Ghana, through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has announced that producer prices for cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2026 Light Crop Season, even as global cocoa prices continue to decline.
According to an official circular signed by the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control, Dr. Francis Baah, cocoa purchases for the 2026 Light Crop Season are scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Under the new pricing arrangement, cocoa farmers will continue to receive GH¢1,241.76 per 30-kilogramme load for Grade I and II beans, while a 64-kilogramme bag will be purchased at GH¢2,587.00. This translates to GH¢41,392.00 per tonne, based on 16 bags per tonne.
The decision to maintain the producer price is aimed at safeguarding farmer incomes and ensuring stability within the cocoa sector, particularly at a time when international prices have been experiencing a downward trend. Government officials say the move is intended to protect cocoa farmers from external market shocks and sustain confidence ahead of the new harvesting season.
The Light Crop Season, which typically runs from June to September, contributes a smaller share of Ghana’s total annual cocoa production compared to the main crop season. Nevertheless, it remains a critical period for farmer livelihoods and export earnings.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, continues to rely heavily on cocoa as a key foreign exchange earner. Recent volatility in global cocoa markets has raised concerns about potential income reductions for farmers, making the government’s decision to hold prices steady particularly significant.
COCOBOD has communicated the directive to all key industry stakeholders, including Licensed Buying Companies, relevant ministries, and sector regulators to ensure a smooth rollout of purchases nationwide. Licensed Buying Companies are expected to begin buying cocoa from farmers at the approved prices from June 18.
Farmers have been encouraged to sell their produce only through Licensed Buying Companies and to ensure their beans meet Grade I and II standards in order to receive full payment. COCOBOD also cautioned against selling to unlicensed buyers, who often offer lower prices and exploit producers.
The Board further assured stakeholders that measures are in place to ensure transparency in weighing and prompt payment during the purchasing period. The 2026 Light Crop Season is expected to run until September, after which the main crop season will commence later in the year.
