In a decisive move that underscores the government’s commitment to agricultural reform and rural welfare, cocoa farmers are set to benefit from a substantial increase in the producer price of cocoa—from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne—for the 2025/2026 season.
The 62.58% rise, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Monday, August 4, comes as a direct fulfillment of President John Mahama’s campaign pledge to ensure farmers receive at least 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value of cocoa exports.
“This marks a significant policy shift from past practices,” Dr. Forson stated via social media. “The government has increased the producer price to reflect 70% of the gross FOB value of $7,200 per tonne—a clear demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of our cocoa farmers.”
The announcement follows a crucial meeting of the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), which the Finance Minister chairs. The new rate is expected to take effect from Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Farmers Set to Receive Over GH¢51,000 Per Tonne
With the average exchange rate pegged at GH¢10.25 to the US dollar, cocoa farmers will now earn GH¢51,660 per tonne, translating to GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag of cocoa.
Dr. Forson contrasted the move with the record of the previous NPP government, which in the 2024/25 season offered just 63.9% of the FOB value, paying US$3,100 per tonne against an FOB of US$4,850.
A Policy Rooted in Fairness
The FOB benchmark, Dr. Forson noted, reflects a blended average of cocoa sold at US$2,600 per tonne during the 2023/24 crop year and anticipated forward sales for the upcoming season.
Analysts say the increase could inject renewed optimism into cocoa-growing communities and provide a lifeline to rural economies hard-hit by inflation and rising production costs.
A New Era for Ghana’s Cocoa Sector?
The bold pricing decision signals a potential paradigm shift in how Ghana’s cocoa industry balances export revenue with farmer welfare—a central theme in President Mahama’s agricultural policy agenda.
“Empowering our farmers is not just an economic decision—it’s a moral obligation,” Dr. Forson added.
As the new cocoa season approaches, all eyes will be on implementation and the ripple effects this landmark pricing policy may have across Ghana’s agrarian economy.
