Oti Region Cocoa Farmers Protest COCOBOD Over Unpaid Payments

Scores of cocoa farmers from the Guan District in Ghana's Oti Region have besieged the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) office in Hohoe, demanding payment for cocoa beans they delivered between November last year and February this year. The farmers say they have not received any proceeds, leaving many households unable to pay school fees, medical bills and other basic needs.

Cocoa Chief Farmer Divine Katsakpa criticised the government's claim that GH¢2.6 billion had been released to Licensed Buying Companies, noting that the funds have not reached the farmers. The protestors have given the government and COCOBOD a three‑day ultimatum, warning they will return in larger numbers, reclaim their beans or occupy the office if the arrears are not cleared by Friday.