Cocoa farmers in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region have thrown their support behind the government’s recent decision to reduce the producer price of cocoa, urging colleagues to accept the new rate and avoid politicising the sector.

The farmers say insulating the cocoa industry from partisan debates is critical to safeguarding its long-term sustainability, especially at a time of sharp volatility on the international market.

Their call comes amid tensions between the government and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has criticised the downward adjustment.

Effective February 12, 2026, the farmgate price per bag was revised to GHS2,587 from GHS3,625.

Government officials attribute the reduction to falling global cocoa prices, which reportedly dropped from nearly $7,200 per tonne in late 2025 to about $4,000 per tonne earlier this year.

Addressing a press conference in Mankranso, the President of the farmers and 2025 National Best Cocoa Farmer, Edward Kwame Yeboah, said the adjustment reflects current market realities and should be seen as a necessary step to protect the industry rather than a political issue.

He urged farmers to cooperate with whichever administration is in power, warning that politicisation could destabilise the cocoa sector and threaten livelihoods.

Mr Yeboah also noted that despite the reduction, the government is paying out 90 per cent of the gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price to farmers for the first time — a move he described as a significant cushion against global price swings.

He further appealed to Parliament to fast-track legislation that would guarantee farmers at least 70 per cent of the gross FOB price, introducing a more flexible pricing system that automatically adjusts to international market trends and exchange rate movements. 

According to the farmers, such reforms would ensure fairness, stability and predictability in cocoa pricing while strengthening Ghana’s position in the global cocoa market.