Former Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has criticised the government’s recent announcement of a new cocoa producer price, warning that it may have unintended consequences for the sector.
The Government of Ghana has raised the cocoa producer price from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. Under the new pricing structure, cocoa farmers are expected to earn GHS3,228.75 per 64kg bag.
However, speaking on the Oyerepa Breakfast Show, Mr. Frimpong Addo expressed concern that the new price, while appearing generous, could actually harm the industry in the long run.
“There are two major consequences that cocoa farmers should be worried about,” he stated. “First, this price increase will encourage cocoa smuggling across borders. Second, it could drive farmers to sell their lands to small-scale miners in search of quick profits.”
He warned that such outcomes could undermine Ghana’s cocoa sector and reduce future production levels, calling for a more strategic approach that balances farmer welfare with long-term sustainability.
The former minister’s remarks add to the growing debate over how best to structure cocoa pricing in a way that benefits farmers without fueling illegal activity or land degradation.
Source: oyerepafmonline.com
