Cocoa farmers in the Western North Region took to the streets on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to protest the government’s recent reduction of the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64-kilogram bag, calling the move unfair and damaging to their livelihoods.
Farmers from districts such as Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, and Bia West marched through principal streets, waving placards reading “Restore Our Price Now” and “Cocoa Sustains Ghana, Don’t Neglect Farmers.” Many argued that rising costs for labour, fertiliser, and transport mean the new price barely covers production expenses.
The price cut, announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on February 12, 2026, followed a decision by the government and the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) to align farmgate prices with international market realities amid a sharp fall in global cocoa prices.
The adjustment sets the producer price at GH¢41,392 per tonne — equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag — for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, a 28 % reduction from the earlier rate.
Officials say the move was intended to restore liquidity in the cocoa sector and enable timely payments to farmers, many of whom had faced payment delays due to unsold stocks and financial pressures at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The protest underscores deepening tensions in Ghana’s cocoa sector, where pricing policy, global market volatility, and ongoing reforms at COCOBOD are shaping the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farmers nationwide.
Below is a petition submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD submitted by the demonstrators through the regional manager of COCOBOD in the Western North Region.
“We, the cocoa farmers of the Western North Region, gathered today at Sefwi Dwenase, respectfully submit this petition to the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD through the Regional Manager
“We are law-abiding citizens and hardworking farmers who contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy. Cocoa remains the backbone of our region and a major source of foreign exchange for the nation.
“It is therefore with deep concern and heavy hearts that we register our displeasure over the recent reduction in the producer price of cocoa.
Our Concerns
Reduction in Cocoa Price
“The downward adjustment in cocoa prices has severely affected our livelihoods. The cost of farming inputs, labor, transportation, and agrochemicals continues to rise, yet the price paid to farmers has been reduced.
Rising Cost of Living
“The general cost of living in Ghana continues to increase. Farmers are struggling to pay school fees, medical bills, and provide basic necessities for their families
Unfair Burden on Farmers
“Farmers should not be made to suffer for managerial or policy challenges within COCOBOD. When there are financial difficulties, the burden must not be shifted onto the poor farmer in the village.
Risk to the Cocoa Sector
“Continued reduction in cocoa prices will discourage farmers, reduce productivity, increase smuggling across borders, and threaten the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry
Our Demands
“Immediate reconsideration and review of the reduced cocoa producer price. Transparent engagement with farmers before major pricing decisions are taken. Implementation of policies that protect farmers` incomes and welfare, Timely payment, and improved access to inputs at affordable prices
Conclusion
“We respectfully call on the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD to treat this matter as urgent and critical to the survival of cocoa farmers in the Western North Region and across Ghana.
“We remain committed to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue. However, we cannot remain silent while policies negatively affect our survival and dignity. We trust that our concerns will receive immediate attention.”
One farmer appeared as a traditional warrior for the demonstration
But farmers and political actors have reacted strongly.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament condemned the midseason cut as a betrayal and called for its reversal, while civic groups like the People’s Forum have launched billboard campaigns across multiple regions to highlight farmers’ struggles.
