Ghana cocoa sector reforms

In late July 2026 Ghana’s Parliament approved the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, creating a legal guarantee that cocoa farmers receive at least 70 % of the free‑on‑board export price and moving COCOBOD under the Ministry of Finance. The same legislative package introduced a new Customs Bill aimed at curbing smuggling, streamlining border procedures and increasing revenue.

A few days later, the same bill’s farm‑protection provisions were highlighted: all cocoa farms were given protected status and converting them to other uses without government approval became a criminal offence punishable by up to 20 years in prison and heavy fines per tree, especially targeting illegal gold mining. Critics, including MPs and farmer representatives, argued the measures infringe on landowners’ rights and offer insufficient support. The legislation was still awaiting presidential assent.