Cocoa farming has been the lifeblood of Ghana’s rural economy for over a century. As the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, Ghana’s beans are renowned for their quality, commanding premium prices on the international market. Yet the farmers who produce this valuable crop often live in poverty, struggling to provide for their families.
In towns and villages across the Ashanti, Western North, Eastern, and Brong Ahafo regions, cocoa is more than a crop — it is a way of life. But while global chocolate sales soar, the farmers’ share of the profit remains painfully small. Many believe the political class has consistently failed to protect their interests.
For years, politicians have promised better returns for cocoa farmers. In opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was vocal in its criticism of the then-NPP government’s cocoa price policies. Farmers were led to expect that when the NDC returned to power, things would change for the better.
But this year’s cocoa price announcement has been met with widespread disappointment. Many farmers say the rate is “appalling,” especially when compared to the soaring world market prices. They argue that they have been shortchanged once again, despite the NDC’s earlier promises.
In some farming communities, frustration has reached breaking point. A growing number of farmers are threatening to cut down their cocoa trees for illegal mining — “galamsey” — which they see as a more profitable, though destructive, alternative. Others are quietly smuggling their beans to neighbouring countries, where buyers pay significantly more.
This smuggling trend is not new, but it is intensifying. Farmers in border regions have long complained that the price difference between Ghana and countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Togo is too great to ignore. The loss of cocoa to smuggling not only affects Ghana’s export earnings but also undermines official production figures.
Industry analysts warn that if these issues are not addressed urgently, Ghana risks losing its global standing in cocoa production. Already, some producers are shifting their focus to other crops or abandoning farming altogether. The consequences for rural livelihoods and the national economy could be severe.
Research shows that cocoa contributes billions to Ghana’s GDP and is a major source of foreign exchange. But the disparity between global profits and farmers’ incomes remains staggering. While chocolate companies record massive earnings, many Ghanaian cocoa farmers live on less than $2 a day.
Farmer associations have repeatedly called for a more transparent and equitable pricing system. They want prices that reflect the true cost of production, taking into account inflation, rising fertiliser costs, and the need for farm maintenance. They also demand timely supply of inputs and prompt payment for beans delivered.
The discontent is not just about money. Farmers feel disrespected. They see the political class enjoying the fruits of their labour — literally — while they endure hardship. They watch foreign buyers dictate terms, while Ghanaian authorities make promises that rarely translate into reality on the ground.
In an interview with the Daily Times Newspaper, a farmer from the Sefwi area lamented: “We produce the beans that make the world’s finest chocolate, yet we can’t afford to buy even a bar for our children. That is not fair, and it is not sustainable.”
The threats to the industry go beyond pricing. Climate change, ageing farms, and declining soil fertility are also serious challenges. Without proper investment in replanting, irrigation, and climate-resilient practices, Ghana’s cocoa sector could face a slow but certain decline.
It is time for the government to match words with action. The NDC administration cannot afford to repeat the cycle of broken promises. Cocoa farmers need fair prices, reliable support, and a clear strategy to protect the future of Ghana’s most important cash crop.
If Ghana truly values its cocoa farmers, the answer is not in ceremonial awards or speeches on Farmers’ Day. It lies in bold policies, honest engagement, and a commitment to ensuring that those who feed the cocoa industry are no longer left hungry themselves.
Until then, the perception will remain that the sweat of the cocoa farmer enriches others — while the farmer continues to toil in poverty.
