Ghana Sets New Cocoa Farmgate Price at GH₵41,392 per Tonne for 2025-2026 Season
Introduction
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, has announced a significant adjustment to the price paid directly to its farmers. On February 12, 2026, the government, through the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), established a new farmgate price of GH₵41,392 per tonne (equivalent to GH₵2,587 per standard 62.5kg bag) for the remainder of the 2025–2026 crop season. This decision, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is a direct response to a sustained decline in international cocoa market prices. The primary objective is to cushion cocoa farmers’ incomes and ensure immediate liquidity within the sector, thereby safeguarding the sustainability of Ghana’s vital cocoa industry. This article provides a comprehensive, pedagogical breakdown of this pricing decision, exploring the mechanisms behind it, its historical context, its implications, and practical guidance for all stakeholders involved in Ghana’s cocoa value chain.
Key Points
- New Price: The farmgate price is now GH₵41,392 per metric tonne or GH₵2,587 per 62.5kg bag.
- Effective Date: The price is effective immediately as of February 12, 2026.
- Applicable Period: It applies to the remainder of the 2025–2026 main crop season.
- Pricing Formula: The price is calculated as 90% of the gross Free on Board (FOB) value, which has been set at USD $4,200 per tonne for this adjustment.
- Governing Body: The decision was made by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), chaired by the Minister of Finance.
- Core Objective: To mitigate the impact of falling global cocoa prices on farmer incomes and inject liquidity to expedite payments.
Background
Ghana’s Dominance in the Global Cocoa Market
Ghana’s economy is deeply intertwined with cocoa. The crop is a primary export earner and a lifeline for over 800,000 smallholder farmers and their communities. The sector is regulated by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), a state agency responsible for production, marketing, and export. COCOBOD, through its Buying Companies, purchases all cocoa
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