Cocoa farmers across Ghana have threatened to embark on a nationwide demonstration next week over unpaid monies owed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
According to the farmers, persistent delays in payment have left many of them in severe financial distress, making it difficult to meet basic needs such as healthcare, school fees, and household expenses.
Speaking to Citi News, President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, appealed to COCOBOD and government authorities to urgently intervene and settle the outstanding arrears to prevent disruptions within the cocoa sector.
Mr. Teinor explained that the situation is taking a toll on farmers’ health and livelihoods, noting that some are unable to seek medical care due to lack of funds.
“It is really affecting farmers. Some are sick and want to seek medication, but they don’t have money to go to the hospital. Do you want them to die?” he asked.
He also highlighted the impact on education, as schools have reopened and parents are struggling to pay fees for their children.
The farmers further expressed concern about post-harvest challenges, stating that they lack adequate storage facilities to keep their cocoa beans while waiting for payment.
We cannot keep the cocoa because farmers don’t have the storage facilities. As I speak, it’s been about six weeks with no money for cocoa farmers. This is seriously 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.
