The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has released GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate the payment of cocoa farmers across all cocoa-growing regions of the country.
The Board announced yesterday that the latest disbursement is intended to ensure that farmers receive payments for cocoa supplied during the ongoing 2025/26 crop season, while also clearing outstanding arrears owed by some Licensed Buying Companies.
According to COCOBOD, it has so far disbursed GH¢34.52 billion to Licensed Buying Companies since the commencement of the 2025/26 crop season for the purchase of cocoa from farmers.
Out of the GH¢2.6 billion released, approximately GH¢1.4 billion has been earmarked to settle the remaining balances owed to farmers whose cocoa was taken on credit by Licensed Buying Companies.
The Board said it is collaborating closely with the buying companies to ensure that all affected farmers receive the monies due them without further delay.
To guarantee transparency and accountability, COCOBOD noted that it has instituted monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the funds are paid directly to the farmers who are owed.
The Board acknowledged the patience and resilience demonstrated by cocoa farmers during the period of delayed payments and assured them that every farmer who legitimately sold cocoa through the approved purchasing system would receive full payment.
“COCOBOD wishes to assure all cocoa farmers that no farmer will be denied payment for cocoa legitimately sold through the approved cocoa purchasing system,” the statement stressed.
The Board further encouraged farmers with outstanding payments to contact the Licensed Buying Company through which they sold their cocoa to facilitate the settlement process, adding that it would continue working with all stakeholders until every outstanding obligation is cleared.
According to COCOBOD, the latest release of funds demonstrates government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of cocoa farmers while preserving the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring that they receive the full benefits of their labour.
COCOBOD also expressed appreciation to cocoa farmers for their continued dedication and invaluable contribution to Ghana’s economy, pledging to work with government and industry stakeholders to strengthen the cocoa value chain, improve farmer welfare and promote the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
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