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Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that government has allocated GH₵5.1 billion to support cocoa farmers in the 2025/26 crop season. Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, he said the investment aims to strengthen the cocoa sector, which is showing signs of recovery despite softer global prices.
Cocoa output increased from 530,783 metric tonnes in 2023/24 to 603,840 metric tonnes in 2024/25, driven partly by enhanced anti-smuggling operations. To meet the projected 650,000 metric tonnes for the 2025/26 season, government has budgeted GH₵2.4 billion for CODAPEC mass spraying and GH₵2.7 billion for free fertiliser distribution.
Ato Forson also noted that the cocoa farm-gate price has been increased from GH₵49,600 to GH₵58,000 per metric tonne to close price differentials with neighbouring countries and reduce smuggling. He emphasised that the allocation reflects government’s commitment to boosting productivity and supporting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide.
