The government has moved to fast-track payments to cocoa farmers nationwide as it confronts a deepening liquidity crisis in the sector. The decision followed an emergency Cabinet meeting on Tuesday aimed at resolving delays that have left farmers unpaid for months.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, said the Cabinet also approved what he called “the most far-reaching reforms in the history of the cocoa sector.” The measures aim to shift Ghana’s cocoa industry from a reliance on raw exports toward greater domestic processing and value addition.
The intervention comes after farmers who delivered cocoa since November 2025 remain unpaid, while COCOBOD owes Licensed Buying Companies more than GH¢10 billion.
Speaking to reporters after the emergency session, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the reforms are intended to drive significant growth in domestic cocoa processing.
“We have just concluded a lengthy cabinet meeting, which was an emergency session that discussed the cocoa sector and matters arising there. And at the end of the emergency session, decisive measures have been agreed upon regarding expedited payments of cocoa farmers, regarding the implementation of the most drastic reforms in the cocoa sector,” he said.
The Minister explained that COCOBOD will undergo comprehensive restructuring to improve efficiency, transparency, and management effectiveness across the sector.
The Finance Minister is scheduled to address the nation on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. to present a detailed implementation plan and the financial framework supporting the reforms, Myjoyonline reported.
