Cocoa farmers in several cocoa-growing communities are expressing frustration at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over delays in payment for beans supplied, with some saying they have been waiting since November 2025 to be paid.
The situation, farmers warn, is taking a heavy toll on their livelihoods and could weaken the entire cocoa value chain if it continues.
They argue that without prompt payments, many producers will struggle to maintain their farms, potentially affecting output in the coming seasons.
Contributing to Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem with Barima Kofi Dawson, a farmer K. Badu described the conditions on the ground as worrying, noting that financial pressure is forcing farmers to consider options they would normally avoid.
He said that “approximately 30% of cocoa beans sold to purchasing clerks have not been paid for, forcing many farmers to sell their farms to illegal gold miners due to financial struggles.”
“It’s a desperate situation, and something needs to be done quickly,” he added.
According to him, the lack of cash flow is affecting everything from household upkeep to the ability to invest in farm maintenance and inputs.
Reacting to the concerns on the same programme, COCOBOD’s Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Sam, said the board was taken aback by the scale of the complaints.
He acknowledged that COCOBOD had heard reports of delayed payments but clarified that the board does not buy cocoa beans directly from farmers.
He explained that financing for cocoa purchases comes from international offtakers, with COCOBOD serving as a channel through which funds are transferred to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr Sam said the board has already disbursed monies received from offtakers to the LBCs for cocoa beans bought last year.
“We are surprised cocoa farmers are complaining about non-payment since last year all Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) that sold cocoa to offtakers with COCOBOD contracts received their payments,” he stated.
He added that payment challenges could stem from some LBCs that do not have international offtakers and therefore rely on their own resources to purchase beans, a situation that can delay settlements to farmers.
Mr Sam assured producers that COCOBOD is engaging the relevant stakeholders to resolve the concerns, stressing that the board remains committed to protecting farmers’ welfare and sustaining cocoa production in the country.
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