Ghana Cocoa Board misses June deadline, GH¢3.4bn cocoa arrears remain unpaid

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) failed to meet its self‑imposed end‑June deadline to clear more than GH¢6 billion owed to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). After releasing GH¢2.6 billion – GH¢1.4 billion earmarked for farmers and GH¢1.2 billion for LBCs – the board still had about GH¢3.4 billion (57%) outstanding. Board Head of Public Affairs Jerome Sam had assured that the remaining balance would be "insignificant" and promised near‑complete settlement before the month’s end. The shortfall continues to strain LBCs that financed purchases on credit and threatens farmer incomes and their ability to fund the next production cycle.