The President of the Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana, Samuel Adimado, says players in the cocoa value chain are looking beyond delayed payments and focusing on promised reforms aimed at transforming the sector.
Speaking to Bright Amaning on Good Afternoon Ghana on Metro TV on Friday, February 13, 2026, Mr Adimado said although concerns about outstanding payments remain, the bigger issue is ensuring lasting reforms that protect farmers and industry actors.
According to him, one of the key takeaways from the briefing of the cocoa sector reforms was the Finance Minister Dr.Cassiel Ato Forson’s commitment to reforming the cocoa sector.
“One remarkable and significant position that the Minister of Finance made was the transformation of the cocoa sector,” he noted.
Mr Adimado explained that for years, Licensed Buying Companies have had to pre-finance cocoa purchases, a situation he believes must be reviewed as part of broader reforms.
“You would agree with me that we have indicated that we have been pre-financing the sector for the past seven years. And therefore, we need to look at that,” he said.
He acknowledged assurances that payments for cocoa already delivered would be made, but insisted that the association’s main concern goes beyond immediate disbursements.
“Yes, our issue of payment of cocoa delivered is being addressed… the money is going to be paid. But the significance of what our press conference and others who have come on board have secured is the reforms that the minister has assured the nation,” he stated.
Mr Adimado argued that historical data shows cocoa farmers have not always received a fair share of export earnings.
He pointed to what he described as a long-standing imbalance between Free On Board prices and producer prices.
“If you look at the data 21 years back, FOB price against producer price, you understand the data is obvious. It will tell you that the cocoa farmer has been unfairly treated,” he said.
He stressed that the association works closely with farmers and sees their welfare as central to the survival of the industry.
“If the farmer stops growing cocoa, we are off the hook. And therefore the farmer is also our principal concern,” he added.
While admitting that Licensed Buying Companies are businesses that must survive, Mr Adimado said they support reforms that would guarantee farmers at least 70 percent of the FOB or terminal price.
“We shouldn’t politicise the situation and miss the boat,” he cautioned.
“We should go back to the data and then grasp the opportunity of the reform where the farmer will get no less than 70% of the FOB or the terminal price.”
He warned that failure to improve conditions for farmers could have long-term consequences for Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“When the farmer is better off, we will keep our cocoa industry. If the farmer is not better off, we’ll lose our cocoa industry,” he said.
Mr Adimado maintained that while payments are expected soon, what industry players are truly seeking is a lasting solution that ensures fairness and sustainability in the cocoa sector.
