Franklin Cudjoe is the President of IMANI Africa
Following the government’s announcement on February 12, 2026, of a reduction in the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, which is equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, the news did not sit well with many Ghanaians, including cocoa farmers.
While farmers described the price cut as a slap in the face, government argued that it was a necessary step to stabilize the cocoa sector.
Commenting on the development in a post on X, President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, noted that Ghana’s cocoa rival, Ivory Coast, was also experiencing a price reduction.
He explained that Ivorian cocoa farmers will receive 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram for the mid-crop starting March 1, 2026. This is far less than what Ghanaian farmers currently earn.
Cudjoe further said Ghanaian farmers are receiving nearly double the amount their Ivorian counterparts will be paid.
He cited Reuters, saying, “Ivory Coast will pay cocoa farmers 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogramme for the mid-crop starting March 1, equivalent to around 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag. In Ghana, by comparison, farmers are paid GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag, almost double the amount in IC. Where are the make-believe cocoa town criers and political stuntsmen?”
Ivory Coast’s price cut is part of measures to address mounting unsold stock. Under the new arrangement, farmers will earn between 800 and 1,000 CFA francs ($1.45–$1.81) per kilogram, significantly lower than the current main crop price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram.
According to Reuters, the decision aims to help the world’s largest cocoa producer manage a growing surplus caused by declining global cocoa prices.
In Ghana, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, defended the adjustment, saying it was necessary to reflect international market realities while protecting farmers’ incomes.
He explained that the 2025/2026 cocoa season began in August 2025 with a producer price of GH¢51,660 per tonne, calculated at 70 percent of the gross free-on-board price of $7,200 per tonne, using an exchange rate of GH¢10.25 to the dollar.
Reuters: Ivory Coast will pay cocoa farmers 800 to 1,000 CFA francs per kilogramme for the mid-crop starting March 1, equivalent to around 980 to 1,225 Ghana cedis per 64kg bag.
In Ghana, by comparison, farmers are paid GHC 2,587 per 64kg bag, almost double the amount in IC.… pic.twitter.com/dZwFXa6e4v— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) February 27, 2026
