The government is expected to announce a new producer price for cocoa for the 2025/2026 crop season today, August 4, 2025. Joy Business has learned that this announcement will take place following the completion of work by all committees assigned to review the pricing structure, as well as after necessary consultations with stakeholders.
There are strong indications that the new price will show a significant increase in dollar terms. However, uncertainty persists regarding the real value of the new price in cedi terms, especially given the recent sharp appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the U.S. dollar over the past few months. Currently, the producer price is set at GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag, which translates to GH¢49,600 per tonne. The government is proceeding with the new pricing ahead of the official opening of the 2025/2026 cocoa season on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
President John Mahama, speaking last month, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that cocoa farmers receive at least 70% of the world market price. He said this policy is aimed at restoring dignity and fairness to the farmers who are the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy. As of last night, cocoa was trading at approximately $7,555 per tonne on the global market.
However, a major concern remains the actual value of any increase in local currency terms, particularly in light of government claims that it has been subsidising cocoa prices for the past five months, paying nearly 90% of the global market price directly to farmers. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, expressed concern about how the cedi’s appreciation could erode the real earnings of farmers. “What we are seeing now is a situation where global prices are high, and that would normally translate into higher incomes for our farmers. “But with the cedi appreciating sharply, the gains could be reduced when translated into Ghana cedi,” Dr. Abbey explained.
Source: Joy Business
