Cocoa farmers nationwide have issued a warning of a possible countrywide protest next week over outstanding payments owed to them by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
According to the farmers, the prolonged delay in payments has caused serious financial strain, making it difficult for them to meet essential expenses such as medical bills and their children’s school fees.
In an interview with Citi News, the president of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, called on COCOBOD and relevant government officials to urgently settle the arrears to prevent instability within the cocoa industry.
He explained that the situation is taking a heavy toll on farmers, noting that some are ill but lack the funds to seek medical care, while others are struggling to pay school fees following the reopening of schools. He also pointed out that farmers are unable to store their produce due to inadequate storage facilities.
Mr Teinor added that cocoa farmers have gone without payment for about six weeks, a situation he described as deeply harmful to the sector. He warned that if the COCOBOD Chief Executive fails to address the issue promptly, farmers may resort to mass demonstrations next week, stressing that frustration among farmers is rapidly growing.