COCOBOD Disburses GH¢2.6 Billion to Licensed Buying Companies to Clear Farmer Debts and Support 2025/26 Crop Season

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced the release of GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to cocoa farmers across the country. This significant financial injection is part of a broader strategy to ensure that farmers receive timely compensation for their produce during the ongoing 2025/26 crop season. Of the total amount released, GH¢1.4 billion has been specifically earmarked to settle outstanding balances owed to farmers who previously supplied cocoa on credit. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden on farming communities and reinforce the integrity of the approved purchasing system.

Since the commencement of the 2025/26 crop season, COCOBOD has demonstrated a substantial commitment to the sector, with total disbursements to LBCs reaching GH¢34,523,447,255.64. To ensure these funds reach the intended recipients, the Board has implemented robust monitoring mechanisms designed to track the distribution process directly to the farmers. COCOBOD has issued a clear assurance that no farmer who adheres to the official purchasing channels will be denied payment, while also encouraging any individuals experiencing delays to proactively contact their respective LBCs for resolution.

The release of these funds comes at a critical juncture for the industry. Recent economic data indicates a sharp deceleration in the cocoa sector's growth, which slowed to 3.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, a significant drop from the 23.1% growth recorded during the same period in 2025. This slowdown has reduced cocoa's contribution to GDP growth to just 0.9 percentage points. Despite this moderation in domestic output growth, international cocoa prices remain relatively strong, rebounding to approximately US$5,000 per tonne after previously dipping below the US$4,000 mark.

By prioritizing farmer welfare and clearing legacy debts, the government aims to stabilize the sector and enhance the long-term sustainability of Ghana's cocoa industry. COCOBOD officials have expressed deep gratitude to the nation's cocoa farmers for their continued resilience and vital contributions to the national economy. As the season progresses, the Board remains focused on improving the livelihoods of farmers and maintaining Ghana's position as a premier producer in the global market through consistent financial support and operational transparency.