The Young Cocoa Farmers Association has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over growing uncertainty and financial difficulties confronting cocoa farmers ahead of the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season, calling for urgent assurances on financing, producer prices and government policy.

In a petition dated August 17, 2026, and addressed to President Mahama at Jubilee House in Accra, the association said the difficulties experienced during the 2025/2026 cocoa season had left many young farmers financially distressed and uncertain about the future of cocoa production.

The petition to the president shows lack of confidence in the operations of COCOBOD headed by Randy Abbey.

The association said cocoa remains one of the most important economic commodities and a major source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of farming households.

However, it argued that the challenges of the previous season had affected farmers’ ability to generate expected incomes and maintain their farms.

According to the petition, many young cocoa farmers struggled to meet basic household obligations, including financing their children’s education, healthcare and essential farm maintenance, after failing to achieve their expected production and income levels.

Funding shortages leave farmers stranded

A major concern raised by the association is the difficulty faced by farmers in selling their cocoa during the minor season.

The farmers alleged that several Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and purchasing clerks did not have adequate funds to buy cocoa beans from farmers, creating difficulties for producers who depended on the sale of their beans for income.

The association said the situation was particularly problematic because the minor season traditionally provides farmers with an opportunity to obtain financial support from buyers through advances and credit arrangements while they prepare for the main harvest.

However, it said the financial difficulties confronting some buyers meant that many were unable to provide the expected assistance to farmers.

The farmers warned that the situation had placed significant financial pressure on producers and could undermine the sustainability of cocoa production if it persists into the new season.

Farmers demand certainty ahead of new season

With the 2026/2027 purchasing season approaching, the association said farmers were increasingly anxious because of uncertainty surrounding key issues affecting their operations.

It said farmers needed clear information to make decisions about farm investments, labour arrangements, agricultural inputs and production targets.

The association consequently asked the President and his government to provide assurances that adequate funds would be available to ensure that cocoa beans could be purchased throughout the entire 2026/2027 season.

It also wants government to explain what measures have been introduced to prevent the financial challenges experienced during the previous season from recurring.

Cocoa price becomes major concern

The producer price of cocoa is another major issue highlighted in the petition.

The association is seeking clarification on whether the producer price will remain stable or whether farmers should expect a reduction.

The farmers also specifically requested clarity on the policy under which cocoa farmers are expected to receive 70 per cent of the value of cocoa.

They argued that timely information on the pricing structure is necessary for farmers to make informed decisions about production and investment.

The association further called for farmers to be engaged on the 2026 Cocoa Bill, requesting a detailed explanation of its provisions, implications and potential benefits to cocoa producers.

Call for official opening date

The Young Cocoa Farmers Association also wants government to announce the official commencement date for the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season.

It argued that farmers require certainty over the start of the season to organise their harvesting, labour, transportation and marketing arrangements.

The association said timely communication from government and relevant stakeholders would help restore confidence among farmers and allow them to plan effectively.

‘Farmers deserve prices that reflect cost of production’

The petition emphasised the central role of cocoa farmers in the economy and export sector.

The association described cocoa farmers as the backbone of the country’s cocoa industry and among the major contributors to the export earnings.

It therefore called for policies that recognise the sacrifices made by farmers and provide them with sufficient returns on their investments.

“Farmers deserve prices that reflect the true cost of production and provide a reasonable return on our investment,” the petition stated.

The farmers appealed to the President to engage directly with stakeholders and provide clear direction before the commencement of the new purchasing season.

They believe such engagement could help restore confidence in the cocoa sector and provide producers with the policy certainty needed to plan their activities.

Petition copied to COCOBOD, Parliament and key ministries

The petition was also copied to several institutions and officials whose decisions directly affect the cocoa industry.

These include the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the Speaker of Parliament, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, as well as media houses.

The association’s petition comes at a critical point for Ghana’s cocoa industry, with farmers seeking greater certainty over financing, prices, purchasing arrangements and the policy direction for the coming season.

The petition was signed by Madam Adwoa Mensah, Executive Secretary of the Young Cocoa Farmers Association, and Martin Adu, its Convenor.

In a separate covering letter to media organisations dated August 17, the association appealed to the media to highlight the concerns raised in the petition and help generate public discussion and meaningful responses from government and other stakeholders.

The farmers said their objective was not only to draw attention to their immediate difficulties but also to secure greater clarity and assurances before the new cocoa purchasing season begins.