The Young Cocoa Farmers Association has written to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding urgent answers ahead of the 2026/2027 cocoa buying season, citing rising uncertainty and financial strain on farmers.
In a petition dated Monday, August 17, 2026, the group said the troubles of the 2025/2026 season left many cocoa growers broke and worried about what lies ahead for the industry. It noted that several young farmers missed their output goals and income expectations, forcing households to struggle with basic needs, school fees, health costs and upkeep of their farms.
The Association also flagged problems farmers faced selling beans during the minor season. It blamed the situation partly on cash shortages at Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and purchasing clerks.
According to the farmers, many buyers did not have enough money to buy cocoa, while others could not offer the usual advances and credit that help farmers stay afloat until the main harvest.
The group added that the lack of clear information about the next season was making it hard for farmers to plan investments, hire workers, buy inputs and set production targets.
It is therefore asking government to confirm if enough funds will be available to buy cocoa all through the 2026/2027 season and whether steps have been taken to avoid a repeat of last season’s financial problems.
The farmers also want to know if the producer price will stay the same or be cut, and when the new buying season will officially start.
Another key request is clarity on the policy that guarantees farmers 70 per cent of the cocoa value.“In view of the foregoing, we respectfully petition Your Excellency and your Government to provide urgent clarity on the following matters: Whether adequate funds will be made available to facilitate the purchase of cocoa beans throughout the 2026/2027 cocoa season.
“Whether measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the financial challenges that affected cocoa purchases during the previous season. Whether the producer price of cocoa will remain stable or will be subjected to any reduction. The official commencement date of the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season,” part of the petition said. The Association is further calling for direct consultation on the proposed 2026 Cocoa Bill, with full details on what it contains, how it will affect farmers, and what benefits it offers producers. It said timely information and clear policy direction are crucial to rebuilding farmers’ confidence before the new season. “Farmers deserve prices that reflect the true cost of production and provide a reasonable return on our investment,” it stated. The group appealed to President Mahama and his administration to meet stakeholders and give clear guidance before the 2026/2027 season begins. It added that such engagement will help farmers plan better and assure them that their role in Ghana’s economy and cocoa industry is recognized and valued. Read the statement below from the Young Cocoa Farmers Association: Date: 17th August, 2026H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA
President of the Republic of Ghana
Jubilee House
Accra, Ghana PETITION FOR CLARITY, ASSURANCE, AND URGENT INTERVENTION AHEAD OF THE 2026/2027 COCOA PURCHASING SEASON Your Excellency,
We write on behalf of the Young Cocoa Farmers Association to respectfully bring to your attention the growing concerns, uncertainty, and hardships confronting cocoa farmers across Ghana as we approach the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season. Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important economic commodities and a major source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of farming families. However, the experiences of cocoa farmers during the 2025/2026 season have left many discouraged, financially distressed, and uncertain about the future of the sector.The season was characterized by significant challenges that negatively affected cocoa production, marketing, and the welfare of farmers. Many young cocoa farmers were unable to achieve their production targets and expected incomes. As a result, numerous farming households struggled to meet their basic needs, support their families, finance their children’s education, access healthcare, and undertake essential farm maintenance activities.Your Excellency, the current situation within the cocoa sector remains deeply concerning. Many Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and purchasing clerks did not have adequate funds to purchase cocoa beans from farmers during the minor season. Consequently, it was difficult for farmers to sell their produce and access much needed income.Traditionally, this period allows farmers to rely on support from buyers through advances and credit facilities to sustain farming operations until the main harvest season. Unfortunately, many buyers are themselves facing financial constraints and are unable to provide such support. This situation has placed severe financial pressure on farmers and threatens the sustainability of cocoa production.The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season has heightened anxiety among cocoa farmers nationwide. Farmers are unable to make informed decisions regarding farm investments, labour arrangements, input purchases, and production targets because key information concerning the new season remains unclear.In view of the foregoing, we respectfully petition Your Excellency and your Government to provide urgent clarity on the following matters:Whether adequate funds will be made available to facilitate the purchase of cocoa beans throughout the 2026/2027 cocoa season.Whether measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the financial challenges that affected cocoa purchases during the previous season.Whether the producer price of cocoa will remain stable or be subjected to any reduction.The official commencement date of the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season.Clarity on the policy that cocoa farmers should receive 70% of the cocoa value (price)Engage cocoa farmers on the 2026 Cocoa Bill and provide a detailed explanation of its key provisions, implications, and benefits for farmers.Your Excellency, cocoa farmers are the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa industry and among the largest contributors to the country’s export earnings. We therefore deserve timely information, policy certainty, and the assurance that our sacrifices and contributions are recognized and valued.We respectfully appeal to your Government to engage stakeholders and provide clear direction ahead of the commencement of the new season. Such a move will restore confidence within the sector and enable farmers to plan effectively for the future.Farmers deserve prices that reflect the true cost of production and provide a reasonable return on our investment.We trust that our concerns will receive your urgent attention and favourable consideration.Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.Thank you.Sincerely,For and on behalf of the Young Cocoa Farmers AssociationSignedMadam Adwoa Mensah
Executive Secretary
Young Cocoa Farmers Association
0500582111SignedMartin Adu
Convenor
Young Cocoa Farmers Association
0504147580CC:– Chief Executive Officer, Ghana COCOBOD
– Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament
– Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs
– Minister for Finance
– Minister for Food and Agriculture
– All Media Houses
