Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has summoned an emergency Cabinet meeting to address the rapidly worsening crisis in the country’s cocoa sector, a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of farming households.
According to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the high‑level session—scheduled for Wednesday, 11 February 2026—will focus on the severe financial and operational challenges currently destabilising the cocoa value chain.
The crisis has been fuelled by prolonged payment delays to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), as well as liquidity constraints at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). Industry stakeholders warn that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could threaten the stability of one of Ghana’s most important export sectors.
COCOBOD’s financial strain has been further highlighted by disclosures from its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randy Abbey, who revealed that the regulator is grappling with an estimated GH¢32.91 billion debt, including a $481 million loan due in the 2025/26 season with no repayment provision. COCOBOD also defaulted on forward sales contracts during the 2023/24 season, failing to deliver more than 333,000 tonnes of contracted cocoa.
Across cocoa‑growing communities, frustration is mounting. Farmers say they have not been paid for beans supplied since late 2025, leaving many unable to meet basic needs. Some purchasing clerks describe the situation as unprecedented in their decades‑long careers.
The emergency Cabinet meeting is expected to explore immediate financing options, stabilisation measures, and long‑term reforms to protect the sector from further decline. Government officials say the administration is committed to restoring confidence and ensuring that farmers—who form the backbone of the industry—receive the support they urgently need.
Omega TV UK will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
