By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The government has decided to implement sweeping reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector to address the persistent crisis, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, announced on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists after an emergency Cabinet meeting convened to assess the challenges confronting the sector, the minister observed that the meeting focused primarily on the persistent delays in payments to cocoa farmers and the broader financial stress affecting the operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
According to him, the planned reforms are expected to address structural inefficiencies, strengthen financial management, and ensure timely payments to farmers while restoring confidence in the sector’s governance framework.
“We have just concluded a lengthy cabinet meeting, which was an emergency session that discussed the cocoa sector and matters arising there. And at the end of the emergency session, decisive measures have been agreed upon regarding expedited payments of cocoa farmers, regarding the implementation of the most drastic reforms in the cocoa sector,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
He further disclosed that Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to address the nation on Thursday, February 12, to outline the details of the reform measures and provide clarity on the immediate steps the government will take to stabilise the cocoa industry.
“At 11 a.m. on Thursday, the Finance Minister will address the people of Ghana and announce these far-reaching measures as agreed upon at the end of the cabinet meeting.”
The reforms are anticipated to include financial restructuring, improved transparency mechanisms, and measures aimed at safeguarding farmer incomes and sustaining Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.
In recent weeks, farmers across several cocoa-growing regions have complained about unpaid monies for beans supplied since November 2025, warning that the situation is affecting their livelihoods, healthcare access, and ability to pay school fees.
The cocoa sector remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to export earnings, rural employment, and foreign exchange inflows.
In recent times, however, COCOBOD has faced rising debt obligations, high input costs, declining production levels, and challenges in securing favourable syndicated loans to finance annual cocoa purchases. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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