The Ghanaian government’s recent cocoa producer price increase from GHS 3,100 to GHS 3,228.75 per 64kg bag has drawn criticism for falling far short of expectations.
The Educate Africa Institute (EAI), led by William Boadi, is condemning the modest 4.1% rise as inadequate, especially after earlier signals suggested a possible GHS 6,000 per bag rate.
EAI argues in a press release that the adjustment fails to reflect both global market gains and the economic hardships Ghanaian cocoa farmers face, including inflation and climate impacts.
The group urges the government and COCOBOD to revisit the pricing mechanism and prioritise farmers’ welfare, warning that the disconnect between international profits and local realities remains a growing concern.
Read the Educate Africa Institute’s Full Press Release Challenging the Government’s Cocoa Price Hike
PRESS RELEASE
Date:04/08/2025
Government’s Cocoa Price Adjustment Fails to Meet Expectations of Farmers — EAI Expresses Disappointment
The Educate Africa Institute (EAI), under the leadership of its Executive Director, Mr. William Boadi, expresses deep disappointment in the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance for failing to honour the expected increment in the producer price of cocoa to GHS 6,000 per 64kg bag, as earlier hinted by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Instead, the announced increment from GHS 3,100 to GHS 3,228.75 per bag representing a marginal 4.1% increase in cedi terms and 62.58% in dollar terms (from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne) falls drastically short of the expectations of hardworking Ghanaian cocoa farmers who remain the backbone of the country’s economy.
This modest increase does not reflect the global market realities or the severe economic pressures Ghanaian farmers currently face, including inflation, increased cost of farm inputs, and unfavourable weather conditions due to climate change.
EAI strongly believes that Ghanaian cocoa farmers deserve more. If the government truly values their contribution, it must show it in action by offering them a fair and sustainable price. A GHS 6,000 per bag rate would have been a more appropriate and just reward for their labour, resilience, and dedication to national development.
We call on the government, COCOBOD, and all relevant stakeholders to revisit this pricing decision and prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers over political convenience. The welfare of our farmers is non-negotiable.
Signed:
William Boadi
Executive Director, Educate Africa Institute (EAI)
Educationist | Political Analyst | Social Worker
Story: Kakale Adams
