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Cape Coast – The Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have entered the fray in the recent debate over cocoa producer prices, asserting that the current administration is being fair to farmers.
They argue that the government’s price rationalization measures are necessary for the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In a press release issued on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the group provided a comparative analysis of cocoa pricing. They noted that under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, when the international price of cocoa was $12,931 per tonne and the exchange rate was GH¢16 to the dollar, the government earned approximately GH¢206,896 per tonne. However, they claim that farmers were paid a mere GH¢33,120 per tonne during that period.
The Cadres criticized the previous government for failing to build sufficient reserves to protect farmers during market downturns when prices were at historic highs. This lack of foresight, they argued, has left the sector vulnerable. “Unfortunately, the cocoa sector we inherited was heavily burdened by weakened buffers, rising debts, and poor strategic planning,” the statement emphasized. “When prices were at historic highs, the opportunity to build strong reserves and protect farmers during downturns was not fully utilized.”
The global market, however, has since shifted dramatically. According to the Cadres, the international price has now fallen to approximately $4,100 per tonne, with an exchange rate of GH¢10.72 to the dollar. Consequently, government revenue from cocoa exports now stands at roughly GH¢43,952 per tonne. Out of this, farmers are paid GH¢41,392 per tonne—meaning nearly the entire revenue from cocoa exports goes directly to the farmers.
Based on these figures, the Cadres argue that the recent adjustment in cocoa prices is not a deliberate attempt to disadvantage farmers. Instead, it reflects the sharp decline in world market prices, a reality over which no Ghanaian government has control.
In a message aimed at reassuring farmers, the Cadres concluded that the current measures are not a sign of abandonment but rather an example of responsible leadership during difficult economic times. “You are valued. Your sacrifices are recognized. And under the NDC, your welfare remains a priority,” the statement assured.
PRESS RELEASE
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
THE GALLANT CADRES OF THE National Democratic Congress (NDC)
0208573712
0243179445
0546572070
COCOA PRICE ADJUSTMENT: THE TRUTH EVERY FARMER DESERVES TO KNOW
First and foremost, the Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wish to address our hardworking cocoa farmers and the good people of Ghana regarding the recent cocoa price announcement.
Let us speak plainly and with facts. When the international market price of cocoa stood at $12,931 per tonne, and the exchange rate was GH¢16 to a dollar, government earned approximately GH¢206,896 from one tonne of cocoa. Yet, under the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the farmer was paid only GH¢33,120 per tonne.
In other words, at a time when revenue was exceptionally high, the farmer received only a small portion of what the nation earned.
However, the global market has since changed dramatically. Today, the international price has fallen to about $4,100 per tonne, with an exchange rate of GH¢10.72. This means government now earns roughly GH¢43,952 per tonne from cocoa exports.
Importantly, out of this amount, farmers are being paid GH¢41,392 per tonne,almost the entire revenue government receives.
Clearly, the facts speak for themselves. Under the NPP, government earned over GH¢206,000 per tonne and paid the farmer only a fraction. Under the NDC, government earns below GH¢43,952 per tonne and returns nearly all of it to the farmer.
Therefore, the recent adjustment in cocoa prices is not a deliberate attempt to disadvantage farmers. Rather, it reflects the sharp fall in world market prices,a reality that no government in Ghana can control.
What government can control, however, is fairness. What government can control is transparency. What government can control is whether the farmer comes first.
Unfortunately, the cocoa sector we inherited was heavily burdened, weakened buffers, rising debts, and poor strategic planning. When prices were at historic highs, the opportunity to build strong reserves and protect farmers during downturns was not fully utilized.
Today, by contrast, the NDC has chosen honesty over deception and fairness over exploitation. Instead of shifting the burden onto farmers, we are ensuring that nearly every cedi earned from cocoa exports goes directly to the farmer.
As Gallant Cadres, we state without hesitation: the NDC stands firmly with cocoa farmers.
Indeed, cocoa is not merely a crop. It represents school fees, medical bills, food on the table, and the backbone of many rural communities. We understand this because we walk among the farmers. We come from these communities. We know their struggles.
Consequently, the NDC remains committed to stabilizing and revitalizing the cocoa sector through prudent financial management, transparency, and forward-looking policies that cushion farmers against future global shocks. Even in the face of declining world market prices,and despite allocating an unprecedented share of revenue directly to farmers, government will continue to provide essential support such as fertilizers and agrochemicals to boost productivity and sustain cocoa growth.
Furthermore, the Cocoa Scholarship Scheme will be restructured to ensure that it primarily benefits the children of genuine cocoa farmers, rather than individuals who are not directly connected to cocoa farming.
In conclusion, to every cocoa farmer across Ghana: this moment is not abandonment. It is responsible leadership in difficult times. You are valued. Your sacrifices are recognized. And under the NDC, your welfare remains a priority.
Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford. The PRO, 0208573712
Ohemaa Akosua Borngreat, Deputy PRO, 0243179445
Mr F Kadan, Secretary, 0242276044
Mr Eric Takyi, Deputy Secretary, 0546572070
Mr Carrick Kpeglo, Chairman, 0542002741
Mr Lawrence Odoom, Vice Chair, 0272626466
