Government targets cocoa growth to lift farmer incomes

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious plan to grow Ghana’s cocoa industry by adding 200,000 hectares of new cocoa farms. The announcement was made on Saturday, May 31, during his Thank You tour in the Ahafo Region.

The president said the government is committed to reviving the struggling cocoa sector, which has suffered from issues such as declining yields, smuggling, and low prices. Addressing a group of farmers and community members, he outlined his vision to restore confidence and growth in one of Ghana’s key export industries.

“Plans are underway to revamp the collapsed cocoa sector. Incentives will be provided to our hardworking farmers to increase cocoa production. We aim to add 200,000 hectares of cocoa to Ghana’s output to increase the income of our farmers,” he stated.

President Mahama also revealed that COCOBOD, the government body responsible for cocoa regulation, is preparing to announce a new producer price for cocoa in August 2025. He said farmers can expect a significant increase in earnings.

“To cocoa farmers, the COCOBOD Chief Executive has informed me that in August, they will announce the new cocoa producer price. And I can assure you, the price is going to be a very, very, very good price,” he said.

Encouraging more people to take up cocoa farming, the president added, “So those of you who don’t have cocoa farms, go and start looking for land and start planting cocoa.”

The proposed expansion is part of a broader effort to make agriculture a stronger pillar of the national economy. The president believes that investing in cocoa not only increases incomes for farmers but also strengthens foreign exchange earnings and creates jobs in rural communities.

By promising better prices and support for cocoa growers, President Mahama aims to re-establish Ghana’s leadership in the global cocoa market and ensure long-term benefits for local farmers.