In a decisive move to protect rural livelihoods from volatile international markets, the Government of Ghana has announced it will maintain the current producer price of cocoa for the upcoming 2025/26 Light Crop Season, completely absorbing the impact of recent global price declines.
The directive, issued via an official notice today by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), guarantees that local farmers will continue to receive premium rates for their yields. According to an official circular signed by Dr. Francis Baah, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control (A&QC), purchases for the new light crop cycle are scheduled to commence nationwide on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Under the re-established pricing framework, the farmgate price remains locked at GH¢1,241.76 per load of 30 kilograms for Grade I and II cocoa beans. This translates directly to GH¢2,587.00 per standard gross bag of 64 kilograms. For large-scale transactions, a metric tonne of cocoa which equivalent to exactly 16 bags, will continue to command a robust market valuation of GH¢41,392.00.
Official COCOBOD Guaranteed Pricing Structure (2026 Light Crop)
- Per Load (30 kg) — Grade I & II: GH¢ 1,241.76
- Per Bag (64 kg gross): GH¢ 2,587.00
- Per Metric Tonne (16 Bags): GH¢ 41,392.00
State officials emphasized that maintaining these figures, amidst a clear downward trend in international cocoa futures, underscores the administration’s primary commitment to financial insulation and sector stabilization.
“By maintaining the current producer price, the Government aims to provide stability and confidence to farmers ahead of the new light crop season,” the COCOBOD statement read. The policy acts as a critical safety net, ensuring economic predictability for millions of households who rely on the agricultural sector.
To ensure operational readiness and an uninterrupted rollout, COCOBOD has actively engaged key industry stakeholders.
Briefings have been concluded with Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), internal management networks, relevant sector ministries, and institutional players. This collaborative push aims to finalize logistical networks and ensure smooth, transparent purchasing activities at buying centers across the country starting next week.
