The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced salary cuts for its top executives and senior staff as part of efforts to ease the financial strain on the cocoa industry. Beginning Monday, February 16, 2026, Executive Management will face a 20 percent reduction in pay, while Senior Staff will take a 10 percent cut for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year. COCOBOD explained that the move forms part of broader cost-control measures, including reforms to procurement processes and a staff rationalisation plan, aimed at aligning expenditure with available revenue. The Board stressed that these steps are essential to curb rising costs and safeguard the sustainability of operations in the cocoa sector.
The announcement comes amid heightened national debate in recent weeks over producer prices and the long-term viability of cocoa farming. Industry observers have also pointed to the heavy financing burden associated with cocoa purchases, operational commitments, and exposure to global price volatility.
COCOBOD’s leadership has framed the salary reductions as a demonstration of shared sacrifice as the institution undertakes broader restructuring efforts during the crop season. However, the statement did not disclose the size of the liquidity gap or the projected savings from the pay cuts.
Source: Abigail Arthur
