The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union have welcomed government reforms aimed at stabilising Ghana’s cocoa sector, but are demanding an immediate reversal of salary cuts imposed on senior staff at the Ghana Cocoa Board.
In a joint statement, the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union and the General Agricultural Workers’ Union said measures announced by the Finance Minister on February 12, 2026, signal a serious effort to rescue the ailing cocoa industry and restore confidence in its operations.
The unions described the recent challenges at the Ghana Cocoa Board and the Produce Buying Company as deeply troubling, warning that continued decline could threaten the wider economy. Cocoa remains Ghana’s most important export and a source of livelihood for millions of farmers and workers.
Among the reforms announced is a new financing model that will allow COCOBOD to allocate 50% of Ghana’s annual cocoa output to local processors, including the Cocoa Processing Company and other domestic firms. The unions believe this move will promote value addition, expand local industry and create jobs for young people struggling to find work.
They also welcomed the decision to transfer COCOBOD’s legacy debt to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, as well as the plan to automatically adjust producer prices in line with movements in global market prices, exchange rates and other economic factors.
According to the unions, these interventions could significantly strengthen the board’s financial position and improve its long term sustainability.
The unions noted that the reforms align with proposals they have submitted to government over the past year, as they consistently raised concerns about financial and operational difficulties within COCOBOD and the Produce Buying Company.
However, while praising government for what they called a timely intervention, the unions strongly criticised management’s decision to reduce salaries of senior and management staff by between 10 and 20 percent.
They argued that some of the affected staff are unionised and that the decision was taken without proper consultation, contrary to the Labour Law and existing collective agreements. The unions warned that the move could damage morale and reduce productivity at a time when the institution needs unity and renewed commitment.
They are demanding an immediate reversal of the salary cuts and a return to the negotiation table to agree on a way forward.
The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union represents staff at COCOBOD headquarters, the Cocoa Marketing Company, the Quality Control Company and the Cocoa Clinic. The General Agricultural Workers Union organises workers at the Cocoa Research Institute, the Seed Production Division and the Cocoa Health and Extension Division.
Looking ahead, the unions urged management and all stakeholders in the cocoa industry to work together to sustain growth and shield COCOBOD from external pressure and partisan politics. They expressed confidence that the board’s skilled workforce will step up to help restore stability and drive transformation in the sector.
