Cocoa farmers and traditional leaders in Ghana’s Ashanti Region have welcomed the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), while calling for improved agricultural support, greater transparency and faster implementation of welfare initiatives.

Their views emerged during the first phase of stakeholder engagements organised by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in collaboration with the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), across seven cocoa-growing districts in the region.

The engagements covered Offinso, Kyerayaso, Toase, New Edubiase, Kuntenase, Kona and Juansa. They provided a platform for farmers and traditional leaders to discuss the new legislation, the producer price determination process and interventions aimed at improving productivity and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.

Although some participants had initially expected a higher producer price for the new cocoa season, they said explanations of the factors underpinning the announced price had helped them better understand the decision and the economic considerations facing the cocoa sector.

The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue between COCOBOD and farmers in building trust and improving understanding of policies affecting Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Farmers Welcome Reforms Under New Cocoa Board Act

Participants welcomed reforms introduced under the new Cocoa Board Act and called for sustained public education to deepen farmers’ understanding of the legislation, particularly provisions aimed at protecting cocoa-growing communities and farmlands from destructive activities, including illegal mining and unauthorised sand winning.

They also urged stakeholders to support the depoliticisation of cocoa-related issues, stressing the need for a unified, long-term approach to managing the sector in the national interest.

COCOBOD Urged to Improve Distribution of Farm Inputs

Farmers called for improvements in the distribution of free agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers and other essential supplies, to ensure that beneficiaries receive them in adequate quantities and at the appropriate time.

They further appealed for the speedy implementation of the proposed Farmer Pension Scheme, describing it as an important step towards improving the long-term welfare and financial security of cocoa farmers.

Participants also emphasised the need for transparency in administering the cocoa tertiary education scholarship scheme to promote fairness, accountability and equitable access for eligible beneficiaries.

COCOBOD to Submit Farmers’ Concerns to Management

Leading the COCOBOD delegation, Deputy Head of Public Affairs Benjamin Larweh underscored the importance of keeping farmers informed and actively involved in discussions on policies and decisions that directly affect their livelihoods.

He said the engagements reflected COCOBOD’s commitment to open communication, stakeholder participation and a shared understanding of the reforms and interventions required to sustain Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Mr Larweh noted that constructive engagement was essential to strengthening trust between the Board and farmers. He added that the concerns and recommendations raised during the sessions would be submitted to Management for consideration.

Ashanti Regional Manager of CHED Isaac Adu also announced plans for further engagements with farmers on the distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, as well as the mass spraying exercise under the Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control Programme (CODAPEC).

National Engagement Programme to Continue

The completion of the Ashanti phase marks the first stage of a wider national engagement programme designed to bring COCOBOD’s policies and interventions closer to cocoa farmers and other industry stakeholders.

The issues raised during the engagements underline farmers’ expectations for timely agricultural inputs, improved welfare protections, transparent scholarship administration and continued public education on the new legislation.

For more updates, visit Ghana News, Ghana News Live and Top Stories. Readers can also explore Ghana’s policy developments through the Policy & Law Hub and consult the official COCOBOD website.