The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally contested the government’s decision to set the 2026/27 cocoa producer price at GH¢2,650 per 64‑kilogram bag, arguing that the figure is inadequate and below the statutory minimum required by law.
In a press statement released on September 27, the NPP noted the new price represents only a GH¢63, or 2.4 percent, increase over the GH¢2,587 per bag that closed the 2025/26 season.
The party cited the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), which it says mandates a producer price of at least 70 percent of the Gross Free‑on‑Board (FOB) price realised by COCOBOD. It claims the government’s calculation of 71.18 percent lacks transparency.
Government officials had announced the new price on Friday, September 25, 2026, stating it met the statutory threshold. The NPP disputes that figure and demands a review of the calculation process.
Adding to the criticism, the NPP highlighted that during the 2024 election campaign, senior NDC figures—including Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and President John Dramani Mahama—promised cocoa farmers a producer price of GH¢6,000 per bag and condemned the then‑current GH¢3,100 rate as exploitative.
According to the NPP, the government’s current pricing falls significantly below those campaign commitments and does not reflect 70 percent of the world market price, as the party claims farmers deserve.
The NPP calls for an immediate review of the producer price calculation and for the government to honour its election promises.
