Ghanaian cocoa farmers petition President Mahama over funding and pricing

The Young Cocoa Farmers Association has petitioned Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for urgent clarity regarding the upcoming 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season. The association expressed concern that financial distress experienced during the 2025/2026 season has left many farmers unable to cover basic household expenses, such as healthcare and school fees, or maintain their farms.

A primary issue cited is the lack of liquidity among Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and purchasing clerks. During the previous minor season, many buyers reportedly lacked sufficient funds to purchase cocoa beans or provide the credit and advances that farmers rely on to sustain operations.

The petition seeks specific assurances on several fronts: the availability of sufficient funds for the new season, the official start date of the purchasing period, and whether the producer price of cocoa will remain stable or be reduced. The association emphasized that this information is critical for farmers to make informed decisions regarding labor, farm inputs, and production targets.