Catholic Bishops Urge Immediate Payment of Cocoa Farmers Amid Worsening Sector Crisis

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has voiced serious concern over what it describes as a worsening crisis in Ghana’s cocoa industry, warning that the situation is severely affecting farmers and rural livelihoods.

In a statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, and signed by its President, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference revealed that many cocoa farmers have faced months of delayed payments for cocoa already supplied. The Bishops noted that the delays have resulted in unpaid workers, interrupted education for children, rising debts, and greater exposure to illegal mining activities.

They further indicated that the recent reduction in producer prices has deepened hardship and weakened confidence in the cocoa sector. While acknowledging fluctuations in global market conditions, the Bishops stressed that farmers should not shoulder the consequences of systemic and long-standing failures. They urged authorities to at least maintain existing producer prices where increases are not possible.

The statement argued that during periods of high revenue, producer prices were not adjusted proportionately. As such, the Bishops maintained that fairness and justice require that past surpluses be used to cushion farmers during difficult times. They described it as morally unacceptable to burden farmers for circumstances beyond their control.

The Conference also warned that Ghana’s standing in the global cocoa market is under pressure, noting that Ecuador is projected to surpass Ghana as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, while increasing output from Nigeria and Cameroon presents growing competition. Additionally, climate change and land degradation linked to illegal mining were identified as major threats.

Among its recommendations, the Bishops called for the immediate settlement of outstanding payments to farmers, transparent financial restructuring of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), preservation of producer prices, and increased investment in productivity. They also advocated for a non-partisan national dialogue focused on farmer welfare, youth involvement, research, and value addition through local processing.

The Conference disclosed that it has privately submitted a detailed pastoral letter on the cocoa crisis to President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of Parliament for consideration and action.

Concluding their message, the Bishops emphasised that restoring Ghana’s cocoa industry goes beyond economics, describing it as a moral obligation and a matter of justice for cocoa farmers and the nation as a whole.