Growing frustration among cocoa farmers in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region is exposing mounting pressure within Ghana’s cocoa supply chain, as delayed payments continue to disrupt livelihoods and strain relationships with local buyers.
Several farmers say they are struggling to meet basic household needs after selling their cocoa beans months ago without receiving payment. The situation, they warn, is becoming increasingly unbearable.
Speaking in an interview, cocoa farmer Amankona Diawuo described the hardship facing many producers, stressing that farmers depend heavily on timely payments to support their families.
“What we know is that we have sold our beans and we need our money now. We can’t afford to wait any longer,” he said, urging authorities to act swiftly.
The delays have also created tension between farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), who serve as intermediaries in the cocoa purchasing process. While farmers direct their frustrations at buyers, the buyers themselves insist they are equally affected.
According to Elder George Owusu, many LBC operators are under intense pressure, as farmers frequently visit their offices demanding payment.
He explained that despite reports of funds being released to purchasing companies, buyers in the municipality have yet to receive the necessary disbursements to pay farmers.
The situation has led to growing mistrust, with some farmers reportedly confronting buyers, believing their payments are being withheld.
Industry observers warn that if the delays persist, the tensions could escalate further, potentially disrupting cocoa purchasing activities in the area.
The development highlights broader challenges within Ghana’s cocoa sector, where timely payments remain critical to sustaining farmer confidence and ensuring stability in the supply chain.
