Cocoa remains one of the strongest pillars of Ghana’s economy, sustaining livelihoods across rural and urban areas alike. Contributing between 5–8% of the country’s GDP and accounting for 20–30% of total export earnings, the crop is more than just an agricultural commodity, it is a national asset.
At the heart of the industry is the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the regulatory authority responsible for producer price setting, farmer support programs, marketing, quality control, and productivity enhancement measures. The Board operates through six key divisions: Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Quality Control Company (QCC), Seed Production Division (SPD), Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Cocoa Processing Company (CPC).
Employment and Livelihoods
Ghana has seven cocoa-growing regions, with smallholder farmers making up the majority of producers. According to COCOBOD’s 2023 annual report, more than 800,000 households are directly engaged in cocoa farming.
In Otabil Nkwanta, Assin Fosu District of the Central Region, farmer Samuel Torbi described the work as rewarding:
“Working as a cocoa farmer is fulfilling. I am able to work and provide for my wife and kids.”
Samuel Torbi, Secretary, Assin North Cocoa Farmers Association, Credit:
Mr. Kwadwo Sarpong Amfo
The cocoa value chain supports both direct and indirect employment. It is estimated that over 1 million labourers work at the production level alone, engaging in nursery development, planting, fertilizer application, spraying, and harvesting.
Mr. Abdul Rahman Ayiku Tetteh, Pruning and Cocoa Management System Coordinator, Assin Fosu. from CHED explained:
“During nursery establishment, we employ local community members as laborers, from structure development to seedling maintenance. During spraying periods, we form youth gangs to undertake these activities, creating both employment opportunities and income.”
Mr. Abdul Rahman Ayiku Tetteh, Credit:
Mr. Kwadwo Sarpong Amfo
Production Challenges and Economic Implications:
Foreign exchange inflows from cocoa are a vital part of Ghana’s economy. However, production for the 2023/2024 season fell sharply from over 1 million tons to less than half a million. This decline, according to officials, is linked to the cocoa rehabilitation program, aimed at replacing old, unproductive plantations.
With Ghana’s agriculture heavily dependent on rainfall, shifts in climate patterns continue to threaten productivity and profitability. Since rural economies depend largely on agriculture, the ripple effect is deeply felt.
Infrastructure and Social Development:
Sustainability initiatives by Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have also brought infrastructure developments such as education, clean water and health facilities closer to rural farming communities. Former COCOBOD CEO Joseph Boahen Aidoo emphasized during the Cocoa Clinic’s 50th anniversary:
“When you look at the countryside and see how our cocoa farmers struggle to access healthcare, you are moved to act. That is why it is important to bring health services and facilities as close to these farmers as possible.”
Former COCOBOD CEO, Mr. Joseph
Boahen Aidoo
Cocoa’s significance has driven rural development projects, especially in road, health, and education infrastructure. COCOBOD’s Cocoa Road Rehabilitation Program aims to improve transport in cocoa-growing communities, easing the delivery of beans to buying centres. Still, more than 60% of cocoa-growing areas depend on unpaved roads, which increase transportation costs.
“The cocoa roads project is good,” said Mr. John Arthur of Assin Ngresi, “because local transporters charge exorbitant prices due to the poor roads, especially during the rainy periods.”
Price Determination and Farmer Reactions:
Cocoa producer pricing is one of the most debated issues in the industry. For the 2025/2026 season, the Government announced an increase from GHS 49,600 per tonne to GHS 51,660 per tonne, equivalent to GHS 3,228.75 per 64kg bag (gross weight), based on an average exchange rate of GHS 10.25 to the US dollar. Minister for Finance, Hon. Ato Forson made the announcement, but some farmers expressed mixed reactions.
Hon. Ato Forson, Minister for Finance.
Farmer Samuel Torbi believes politicisation of cocoa is part of the problem:
“The over-politicization of the crop and its price is why some farmers are unhappy about the announced price.”
In an effort to address farmer concerns, COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey announced additional incentives stating:
“Cocoa farmers will now receive fertilizers free of charge, as the Government has removed the 50% cost burden. Additionally, children of cocoa farmers will be awarded free scholarships for tertiary education as a form of motivation.”
Dr. Randy Abbey, CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board.
As government, industry stakeholders, and farmers work to balance productivity with profitability, one thing is certain, cocoa will remain central to Ghana’s story for generations to come and sustainability of the sector is crucial.
The writer is a Cocoa Sustainability Advocate
samueladdo969@gmail.com
