President John Dramani Mahama has called for cocoa sector policies that prioritize the welfare of farmers, stressing that government decisions on producer prices have real and immediate consequences for livelihoods.
Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition on Tuesday, February 17, the President said his personal experience as a cocoa farmer has deepened his appreciation of the economic pressures faced by producers.
“Nana Kwebu Ewusi gave me 50 acres of land, and I planted cocoa on the 50 acres, so I am a cocoa farmer,” he said. “So when the price is reduced by the government, it affects me too. I want to be able to empathise with farmers so that when we take any policy decision, we know that it has an effect on farmers and we feel it ourselves.”
His comments come at a time when cocoa producer prices have been adjusted downward from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, following shifts in global market conditions.
President Mahama emphasised that pricing decisions must reflect the realities faced by farmers, noting that their incomes and overall well-being depend heavily on such policies.
“When we make decisions about cocoa pricing and reforms, we must remember that these decisions affect real people, real families, and real communities,” he stated. “We must ensure that farmers are treated fairly and that the sector remains sustainable.”
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, relies heavily on cocoa exports as a key source of foreign exchange. The industry supports more than 800,000 farm households and plays a crucial role in sustaining rural economies.
Recent volatility in global cocoa prices has added to the challenges facing the sector. Prices surged to historic highs above $10,000 per tonne in 2024 before declining as supply forecasts improved, creating uncertainty for farmers and policymakers.
President Mahama noted that safeguarding the future of the cocoa sector would require policies that balance market realities with the need to protect farmer livelihoods.
“We must align our policies with the lived experiences of farmers,” he said. “If we want the cocoa sector to remain strong and competitive, then the people at the heart of production must feel supported and valued.”
The Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit, organised with support from the Ghana Tree Crops Authority, aims to attract investment into cocoa and other major tree crops including cashew, rubber, coconut, and oil palm. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and promote long-term economic growth.
President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to implementing reforms that improve farmer incomes, boost productivity, and ensure fairness across the cocoa value chain.
“Our goal is to build a cocoa sector that is resilient, sustainable, and beneficial to the farmers whose hard work sustains it,” he added.
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