Cocoa farmers across Ghana have warned of a nationwide protest next week over unpaid arrears owed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for beans supplied since November 2025. The farmers say the prolonged delays in payment have plunged many into severe financial hardship, making it difficult to cover essential needs such as healthcare, school fees, and household expenses.
In an interview with Citi News, Francis Teinor, President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, urged COCOBOD and government authorities to act swiftly and clear the outstanding debts to avert disruptions in the cocoa industry. He stressed that the situation is severely affecting farmers’ health and livelihoods, with some unable to access medical care due to lack of funds.
“It is taking a heavy toll on farmers. Some are ill and in need of medical care, yet they cannot afford hospital treatment. Should they be left to die?” he questioned. He further pointed to the strain on education, noting that with schools reopened, many parents are struggling to pay their children’s fees.
The farmers also raised concerns about post-harvest difficulties, stressing the absence of proper storage facilities to preserve cocoa beans while awaiting payment. “We cannot store the cocoa because farmers lack the facilities. As I speak, it has been nearly six weeks without payment, and this is gravely affecting the sector,” Mr. Teinor added
He warned that failure by COCOBOD management to address the issue could trigger protests nationwide. “If the COCOBOD CEO does not do anything about it, he should expect something ugly from next week. Farmers are not happy, and if care is not taken, we will be on the streets,” he cautioned.
Source: Richard Obeng Bediako
