Officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) held a stakeholder engagement with cocoa farmers in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality to address concerns over the recently announced cocoa producer price.
The meeting, held at Old Adiembra, was part of COCOBOD’s efforts to explain the rationale behind the new producer price and to listen to farmers’ concerns following widespread dissatisfaction.
COCOBOD recently announced a reduction in the producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, representing a 28 percent drop. The decision triggered protests among cocoa farmers in parts of the Western North Region, with many expressing fears about its impact on their livelihoods.
Head of Corporate Affairs at COCOBOD, Sam Jerome, who led the engagement, acknowledged the concerns raised by farmers and assured them that the Board remains committed to protecting their interests and sustaining the cocoa sector.
He explained that while the price adjustment was challenging, measures are being implemented to stabilize the industry and secure long-term benefits for farmers. He further urged farmers to cooperate with government and COCOBOD initiatives aimed at strengthening cocoa production and improving their economic prospects.
Some farmers who participated in the meeting expressed cautious optimism about the engagement, noting that the interaction provided clarity on the challenges facing the sector. However, they appealed to the government to introduce additional support measures to help improve their incomes and living conditions.
The engagement forms part of COCOBOD’s broader stakeholder outreach aimed at rebuilding trust and maintaining stability in Ghana’s cocoa sector, which remains a key contributor to the national economy and a major source of income for thousands of rural households.
