 for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.){kind=link}
Cocoa farmers across Ghana have threatened to stage a nationwide demonstration next week over what they describe as prolonged delays in payments owed to them by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
The farmers say the situation has pushed many into severe financial hardship, leaving them unable to meet basic needs such as healthcare, school fees, and household expenses.
Speaking to Citi News, the President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, appealed to COCOBOD management and the president to urgently intervene and clear the outstanding arrears to prevent further strain on the cocoa sector.
According to Mr. Teinor, the delays are taking a serious toll on the health and livelihoods of farmers, with some reportedly unable to seek medical attention 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 questioned.
He also highlighted the impact on education, noting that schools have reopened and many parents are struggling to pay their children’s fees.
Beyond the financial challenges, farmers are also grappling with post-harvest difficulties, particularly the lack of adequate storage facilities to keep their cocoa beans while they wait 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.
The farmers have warned that failure by COCOBOD to resolve the issue promptly could lead to widespread protests across cocoa-growing communities.
“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.