By The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is doubling down on its promise to support cocoa farmers by ensuring better prices for their produce, despite ongoing challenges in the sector. Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey, COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, made this pledge during a farmers’ rally in Attronso, Sefwi Bekwai District, as part of a three-day tour of the Western North Region.
Dr. Abbey revealed that COCOBOD is actively working on revising the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season, a move aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and making the sector more attractive to the youth. “Even with financial hurdles, we are determined to offer cocoa farmers a remunerative price for their hard work,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s broader commitment to sustaining the cocoa industry, which remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy.
Ghana, one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, has faced significant economic strain in recent years, culminating in a $3 billion IMF loan program approved in April 2025 to stabilize the economy. Against this backdrop, COCOBOD’s efforts to prioritize farmer welfare signal a strategic push to secure the sector’s long-term viability.
Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Threats
A key focus of Dr. Abbey’s address was the impact of climate change on cocoa production. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, exacerbated by global warming, have led to reduced yields, directly affecting farmers’ incomes. A study published on ScienceDirect highlights that climate change has already lowered cocoa productivity in Ghana, underscoring the urgency of adaptive measures.
To address this, COCOBOD plans to roll out irrigation systems for cocoa farms, with Dr. Abbey urging farmers to form cooperatives to facilitate the implementation of such projects.
However, challenges like illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, have compounded the issue by limiting access to water sources. “Cooperative farming is the way forward,” Dr. Abbey stressed. “Individual irrigation systems are too costly, and galamsey has severely impacted water availability.”
He also announced plans to strengthen laws protecting cocoa trees, involving stakeholders to create a robust legal framework to combat environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities. A 2024 ResearchGate study notes that illegal mining has harmed cocoa pollinator populations, further threatening productivity—a concern COCOBOD is keen to address.
Modernizing Cocoa Farming for a New Generation
Dr. Abbey also highlighted the aging population of cocoa farmers as a critical threat to the sector’s sustainability. With many farmers nearing retirement, the industry risks a labor shortage unless younger generations are incentivized to take up cocoa farming.
To tackle this, COCOBOD is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to modernize farming practices through the introduction of advanced tools and equipment. “We want to make cocoa farming lucrative and appealing to the youth through innovation,” Dr. Abbey explained.
This modernization drive aligns with broader initiatives like the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, which, according to the World Cocoa Foundation, aims to halt deforestation and improve farmer livelihoods through sustainable practices. By integrating technology and sustainable methods, COCOBOD hopes to ensure the sector remains competitive while addressing environmental concerns.
Ensuring Accountability and Support for Farmers
Dr. Abbey reassured farmers that COCOBOD would maintain a steady supply of fertilizers and agrochemicals, procured at significant cost to ease the burden on farmers. He issued a stern warning against the diversion of these inputs, vowing to hold accountable anyone found complicit in such practices. “These resources are meant to support our farmers, and I will personally ensure they reach the right hands,” he said.
The COCOBOD CEO concluded by calling for unity among stakeholders in the cocoa value chain, emphasizing the need for collective action to revitalize and sustain the industry. “Cocoa farming is a source of generational wealth,” he noted. “We must work together to protect it for the future.”
As Ghana navigates economic recovery and environmental challenges, COCOBOD’s initiatives under Dr. Abbey’s leadership offer a glimmer of hope for cocoa farmers, balancing immediate support with long-term strategies to secure the sector’s future.
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