Cocoa farmers in Konongo and surrounding communities have expressed anger over unpaid cocoa proceeds and the recent reduction in the producer price, describing the situation as devastating to their livelihoods.
The aggrieved farmers reportedly met with the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Konongo, to seek support in getting their concerns raised on the floor of Parliament.
Their grievances follow the decision by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to reduce the producer price of cocoa from GH¢3,625 per bag to GH¢2,587. The farmers say the downward adjustment has significantly worsened their already fragile financial position.
According to them, the price cut comes at a time when several farmers are yet to receive payment for cocoa beans already supplied. They argue that the combined effect of delayed payments and lower prices is pushing many farming households into deeper hardship.
Speaking to Metro TV, Elizabeth Owusuaa Twum lamented the growing financial strain on cocoa farmers in the area.
She said many farmers are struggling to provide basic necessities for their families, including food, school fees, and healthcare.
“The situation has created severe financial strain for cocoa farmers here. Some are unable to even take care of their households because they have not been paid for cocoa already supplied,” she stated.
Farmers further accused COCOBOD of failing to settle outstanding payments, leaving them unable to reinvest in their farms ahead of the next production cycle. They warned that the development could negatively affect productivity if urgent steps are not taken.
The developments add to growing tension within Ghana’s cocoa sector, as farmers demand timely payments, pricing stability, and greater transparency in decisions that directly affect their incomes and livelihoods.