The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has said Ghanaian cocoa farmers receive more than twice the price offered to farmers in the Ivory Coast.
In remarks after President John Dramani Mahama delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address, Ayariga cited a Reuters report showing that the Ivory Coast will pay cocoa farmers 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogramme for the mid-crop starting March 1, equivalent to around 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag.
In Ghana, by comparison, farmers are paid GHC 2,587 per 64kg bag. Ayariga said the figures illustrate the country’s continued support for its cocoa sector and competitive pricing policies.
“Mr Speaker, it seems today is about cocoa prices. I can understand. Mr Speaker, let me read Reuters today. Reuters has confirmed, Ivory Coast will pay cocoa farmers 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogramme for the mid-crop starting March 1. The main crop price was 2,800 CFA francs per kilogramme. When converted to Ghana cedis, this is about 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag,” he said.
Ghana’s cocoa sector is grappling with severe financial strain, as Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have been unable to pay farmers for cocoa already delivered to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). COCOBOD is reportedly indebted to LBCs for more than GH¢8.8 billion, leaving many companies financially constrained and unable to continue purchases.
In a bid to stabilise the sector, the government announced on February 12 a reduction in the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.
