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October 12, 2026
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Ashanti cocoa farmers welcome new COCOBOD Act
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Cocoa farmers and traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region expressed satisfaction with the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), following engagements with COCOBOD.
- Participants acknowledged the rationale behind the new cocoa producer price, despite initial expectations for a higher amount, after receiving explanations on the determination process.
- They called for sustained public education on the new Act, particularly provisions protecting farmlands from illegal mining and unauthorized sand winning, and urged depoliticization of cocoa issues.
- Farmers requested improvements in the free distribution of agricultural inputs, speedy implementation of the Farmer Pension Scheme, and transparency in the cocoa tertiary education scholarship scheme.
- COCOBOD committed to continuous dialogue and stakeholder participation, with further engagements planned on input distribution and disease control, and will submit farmer concerns to management.
Why This Matters
This article highlights the critical dialogue between COCOBOD and cocoa farmers, which is essential for the stability and sustainability of Ghana's cocoa sector, a major economic pillar. Farmer understanding and acceptance of policies, alongside welfare improvements like the pension scheme, directly impact productivity, national revenue, and the livelihoods of millions in rural communities. The new Cocoa Board Act also addresses vital issues like protecting farmlands from illegal mining, crucial for the long-term viability of the industry.
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