‘I’m a Cocoa Farmer Too’ — President Mahama Calls for Empathy in Pricing Reforms

President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the importance of farmer-centred policies in Ghana’s cocoa sector, revealing that he is personally affected by producer price adjustments as a cocoa farmer.

Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition on Tuesday, February 17, the President said his own experience in cocoa farming gives him a deeper appreciation of the economic strain farmers endure, particularly amid recent volatility in global cocoa prices.

His comments come on the back of controversial reforms that saw the farmgate price reduced from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag to reflect fluctuations on the international market.

“Nana Kwebu Ewusi gave me 50 acres of land, and I planted cocoa on the 50 acres, so I am a cocoa farmer. So when the price is reduced by the government, it affects me too. I want to be able to empathise with farmers so that when we take any policy decision, we know that it has an effect on farmers and we feel it ourselves,” he stated.

Ghana remains the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, with the sector serving as a key foreign exchange earner and supporting more than 800,000 farm households nationwide. Cocoa exports contribute significantly to national revenue and sustain millions across farming, transport, and processing value chains.

Recent global market developments saw cocoa prices surge to historic highs of over $10,000 per tonne in 2024 before declining sharply due to improved production forecasts and market corrections. The fluctuations have created uncertainty for both producers and policymakers.

President Mahama stressed that pricing decisions and sector reforms must reflect the lived realities of farmers, noting that producer price announcements by the Ghana Cocoa Board directly affect rural incomes, education, and household welfare.

The summit, organised with support from the Ghana Tree Crops Authority, seeks to attract investment into major tree crops such as cocoa, cashew, rubber, coconut, and oil palm as part of efforts to diversify Ghana’s agricultural base and promote value addition.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President said reforms would focus on fair pricing mechanisms, increased productivity, and long-term sustainability to safeguard Ghana’s cocoa industry and maintain its global competitiveness.