Ghana’s cocoa farmers are facing growing frustration as payment arrears pile up, with the Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) pointing fingers at old contracts and a retreat by buyers as the root causes. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving farmers and stakeholders demanding urgent solutions.
“Legacy contracts are strangling payments,” a COCOBOD official admitted, citing outdated agreements that limit flexibility and delay disbursements to hardworking farmers.
Meanwhile, a decline in buyer activity has compounded the crisis, reducing cash flow and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of cocoa producers nationwide.
Social media is ablaze with farmers and advocates calling for government intervention, warning that prolonged delays could trigger unrest in rural communities heavily dependent on cocoa revenue.
Analysts warn that unless swift action is taken, Ghana risks losing its grip on the global cocoa market, with international buyers turning to more reliable suppliers.
