– Ghana’s Price Cut (and then some): Ghana initially increased its cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 season to GH₵51,660 per tonne (GH₵3,228.75 per bag) in August 2025, which was a significant 62.58% increase in dollar terms. However, due to a sharp drop in global cocoa prices (which fell by nearly 50% in recent months), Ghana then slashed its farmgate price by 28.6% to GH₵41,392 per tonne (GH₵2,587 per bag) for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season, effective February 12, 2026. This cut is part of a new financing model and aims to stabilize the sector and ensure farmers get paid promptly.
– Côte d’Ivoire’s Stability (for now): Côte d’Ivoire, on the other hand, seems to be holding its ground. They set their cocoa farm-gate price at 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram (equivalent to about GH₵3,600 per bag) for the 2025-2026 campaign, and this price is expected to remain stable until March 31, 2026. This was a record high for them, a 1,000 CFA franc increase from the previous year, and it was announced back in October 2025.
– The Big Picture: These price changes reflect the volatile global cocoa market. Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, mentioned that the global prices had fallen sharply, making Ghanaian cocoa uncompetitive. There’s also talk of linking farmgate rates to international market prices and guaranteeing 70% of the Free on Board (FOB) price. Both countries are looking at ways to process more cocoa beans locally to add value and reduce reliance on raw bean exports.
– Challenges and Concerns: Despite the efforts, farmers in both countries are facing difficulties. In Côte d’Ivoire, there have been reports of unsold cocoa piling up due to exporters refusing to pay the guaranteed price, and some buyers offering much lower illegal prices. There’s also concern about whether the announced prices actually reach the farmers, with many complaining of delayed or unpaid receipts.
It’s a complex situation with a lot of moving parts, but it’s clear that both governments are trying to navigate a challenging global market while supporting their cocoa farmers.
