Poll shows majority of cocoa farmers back new farmgate price despite protests

A survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that a majority of cocoa farmers in Ghana view the recently announced farmgate price as fair, despite ongoing protests and criticism from opposition parties.

According to the poll, 56% of farmers deemed the new price acceptable, 11% called it unfair, and 33% remained neutral. The survey was carried out between February 19 and 24, 2026, covering 7,554 respondents across 83 constituencies in all 16 regions, with a confidence level of 99% and a margin of error of ±1.5%.

The findings follow the Producer Price Review Committee’s (PPRC) announcement on February 12, 2026, which set the new farmgate price at GH¢41,392 per tonne  or GH¢2,587 per 64-kg bag  marking a 28.6% reduction from October 2025’s GH¢3,625 per bag.

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, who chairs the PPRC, defended the adjustment, citing a drop in global cocoa prices from around $7,200 to $4,100 per tonne, which made Ghana’s beans less competitive internationally. He added that the new price represents 90% of the Free on Board (FOB) export price, an improvement over the roughly 70% ratio under the previous pricing.

Despite the price reduction, COCOBOD has begun disbursing payments, releasing GH¢237 million for 50,000 metric tonnes initially, followed by GH¢854 million as of February 19. Some farmers, however, maintain that the funds have not yet reached them.

The government has also introduced structural reforms, including a new Cocoa Bill to prevent quasi-fiscal expenditures by COCOBOD, establish automatic price adjustments guaranteeing at least 70% of the FOB price, and replace the international syndicated loan system with domestic cocoa bonds. Authorities also plan to cover an estimated $150 million in losses from beans already supplied at the old higher price.

Randy Abbey described COCOBOD’s financial position as the most precarious in nearly 80 years, noting a historic negative equity of GH¢3.8 billion.

Political affiliation influenced opinions: 53% of NPP supporters considered the price unfair, compared to just 14% of NDC supporters. Floating voters were more balanced, with 42% rating the price fair and 29% unfair. Regionally, Western North showed the highest dissatisfaction at 62%, while Savannah (85%), Central (60%), and Western (60%) were the most supportive.

Some farmer coalitions expressed willingness to accept lower prices for future deliveries if the government clears outstanding arrears first. Overall, the survey indicates that many farmers are pragmatic, acknowledging market realities despite frustration over the price cut.