Hundreds of cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Western North Region staged demonstrations on Thursday to protest a government-imposed reduction in the cocoa producer price, describing the move as “unfair” and a threat to their livelihoods.
Farmers from districts including Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, and Bia West marched through town centers carrying placards with slogans such as “Restore Our Price Now” and “Cocoa Sustains Ghana, Don’t Neglect Farmers.” Some wore traditional attire or symbolic costumes to dramatize the impact of the price cut.
The demonstrations follow an announcement on 12 February 2026, lowering the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64-kilogram bag, representing a 28% reduction for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season. Officials justified the decision, citing a decline in global cocoa prices and the need to maintain liquidity in the sector.
Farmers, however, argue that the new price does not cover rising costs of labour, fertilizers, and transportation. “With this reduction, I can no longer pay my children’s school fees,” said one farmer from a cocoa-growing community, reflecting the sentiment of many in the region.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions within Ghana’s cocoa industry, where pricing policy and sector reforms under the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have drawn criticism from producers. While government officials maintain that the adjustment is necessary to stabilize the sector and manage payment backlogs, farmers contend that the burden of sector challenges is unfairly placed on them.
Political reactions have been swift. The Minority in Parliament condemned the mid-season price adjustment, calling it a betrayal of cocoa producers. Civic groups, including the People’s Forum, have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the farmers’ plight and urge government action.
As the protests continue, industry stakeholders warn that prolonged discontent could disrupt the cocoa sector, which remains a critical component of Ghana’s economy and a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of rural families.