A leading member of the Cooperative Cocoa Farmers Association, Moses Gyan, has called for the immediate payment of cocoa farmers, warning that delays and uncertainty in the sector could severely affect livelihoods and productivity.
In a zoom interview on Kessben Maakye today, Mr. Gyan urged authorities to exercise restraint and ensure that farmers are promptly paid for their produce, referencing unpaid produce since November 2025. He expressed concern over the fluctuation of cocoa prices on the global market, noting that although such changes are beyond local control, farmers should not be left to suffer the consequences.
“Cocoa is a national asset and must be treated with urgency,” he stated, adding that farmers depend heavily on timely payments to sustain their farms and families ahead of the next production season.
Mr. Gyan lamented the absence of a strong and vibrant cocoa farmers’ union, arguing that this has weakened the collective voice of producers in addressing key challenges within the industry. He warned that if the current situation persists, many farmers may be compelled to venture into alternative livelihoods.
He further called on the government to mitigate what he described as an emergency by settling outstanding payments to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), who have already purchased cocoa from farmers.
According to him, prompt payment to the LBCs will enable them to clear their debts to farmers and restore confidence in the sector.
Mr. Gyan also referenced reports that COCOBOD owes LBCs an amount of $185 million, stressing that such financial strain could have far-reaching consequences for the cocoa value chain if not addressed swiftly.
He admitted that the absence of the syndicated loan facility has contributed immensely to this mess but government must be proactive and look for alternatives as quickly as practicable.
He concluded by appealing to the government and relevant stakeholders to act decisively to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains a major contributor to the national economy.
