Cocoa farmers nationwide have threatened to stage a demonstration next week over unpaid arrears owed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
The farmers say the prolonged delay in payments has left many of them struggling financially, making it difficult to meet basic needs such as healthcare and their children’s school fees.
Speaking to Citi News, President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, called on COCOBOD and government authorities to urgently settle the outstanding debts to prevent unrest and disruptions within the cocoa sector.
According to him, the situation has become dire for many farmers, some of whom are unable to afford medical treatment due to the lack of funds.
“It is really affecting farmers. Some are sick and want to seek medication, but they don’t have money to go to the hospital. Do you want them to die? School has reopened and parents need to pay fees,” he said.
He also noted that farmers cannot hold on to their produce for long periods because they lack proper storage facilities.
“As I speak, it’s been about six weeks with no payment for cocoa farmers. This is seriously affecting the sector. If the COCOBOD CEO does not act, he should expect something unpleasant next week. Farmers are not happy. If he is not careful, we will be on the streets,” Teinor warned.
