The New Voter Forum (NVF) has expressed concern over delays in payments to cocoa farmers across the country, warning that the situation could undermine confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector.
In a statement dated February 11, 2026, and signed by its Directorate of Corporate Affairs, the group said it was “deeply concerned about payment delays to cocoa farmers nationwide,” describing the development as troubling for an industry that remains a key pillar of the economy.
“It is sad the cocoa industry is slipping back to the days of despondency and loss of interest,” the statement noted, adding that the situation raises “questions about the reset at the cocoa sector, a crucial engine to Ghana’s economy.”
While acknowledging financial difficulties facing the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the NVF said it was worried about the prolonged nature of the problem.
“While we acknowledge the severe funding challenges facing COCOBOD, we are however unable to fathom why this problem is lingering on for far too long, casting a shadow of doubt on government’s commitment to intervene,” the group stated.
According to the Forum, the current situation calls for urgent and coordinated action to prevent further deterioration in the sector.
“The ongoing cocoa sector crisis indeed requires honest conversations and collective responsibility to salvaging the precarious situation,” it said.
The NVF has therefore called on government and COCOBOD to take immediate steps to resolve the issue. Among its demands, the group urged authorities to “pay cocoa farmers without further delay,” provide “transparent updates on payment schedules,” and take “collective action in addressing funding challenges to preventing future delays.”
The Forum further expressed hope that management of COCOBOD would act decisively to avoid a recurrence of the problem.
“We hope management of COCOBOD will continue to work hard to preventing this troubling situation from reoccurring,” the statement added.
The cocoa sector employs millions of Ghanaians and remains one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners.
Delays in payments to farmers have in the past sparked widespread concern over livelihoods and production levels.
