Ghana's cocoa crisis is a strain on farmers economy

The Centre for Democratic Movement, a civil society organisation in Ghana, has strongly criticised the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price to GH¢2,587 per 64 kilogram bag.

The group believes the move will cause serious hardship for cocoa farmers and weaken rural communities that depend heavily on the crop for survival.

In a statement released on 12 February 2026, the CDM described the reduction as a “heartless assault on rural survival”. According to the group, the new price fails to reflect the realities farmers face, including rising production costs, inflation and the general economic strain across the country. Many growers are already struggling to stay afloat, and the CDM argues that this decision only deepens their burden.

The organisation further labelled the policy shift a “monumental betrayal” of public trust. It pointed to promises made during the 2024 election campaign, when government figures including President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson assured farmers of better returns. The CDM recalled commitments that producers would receive at least GH¢6,000 per bag under the current administration. Instead, farmers have been confronted with a significant reduction, a development that has left many shocked and disappointed.

Beyond the financial impact, the CDM warned of possible social and environmental consequences. It suggested that if cocoa farming becomes less rewarding, some farmers may abandon their farms in search of other sources of income. In particular, it raised concerns about galamsey, or illegal mining, which has been linked to deforestation, soil damage and polluted water bodies.

The criticism from the CDM reflects broader unease across the country. The Minority in Parliament has also spoken against the price cut, describing it as damaging and without precedent. While some argue that falling global cocoa prices influenced the adjustment, others insist that farmers, many of whom are still waiting for payments for previous deliveries, should not bear the cost of wider market challenges.