The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has released GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to cocoa farmers, with more than half of the amount earmarked to clear outstanding debts owed to farmers who supplied cocoa on credit.
According to a statement issued by the cocoa regulator, approximately GH¢1.4 billion of the latest disbursement has been allocated to settle the remaining balances owed by LBCs to affected farmers across the country’s cocoa-growing regions.
The latest release brings the total amount paid by COCOBOD to Licensed Buying Companies since the start of the 2025/26 crop season to GH¢34.52 billion for onward payment to farmers.
The Board said it is working closely with LBCs to ensure all outstanding payments are made promptly and has put in place monitoring mechanisms to verify that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
“COCOBOD acknowledges the patience, resilience and understanding demonstrated by cocoa farmers during this challenging period and 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 said.
Farmers with unpaid balances have been advised to engage the Licensed Buying Company through which they sold their cocoa, while COCOBOD said it would continue collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure all outstanding obligations are fully settled.
The Board said the latest disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of cocoa farmers and maintaining confidence in Ghana’s cocoa marketing system.
It added that ensuring prompt payment to farmers remains critical to preserving the integrity of the cocoa sector, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring they receive the full value of cocoa sold through the approved purchasing system.
COCOBOD also expressed appreciation to cocoa farmers for their continued 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 the country’s cocoa industry.
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