President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Ghana’s cocoa farmers will welcome the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026, describing the legislation as an important step towards reforming the country’s cocoa industry.
The President said the new law is expected to strengthen the legal framework governing Ghana’s cocoa sector while providing greater benefits and protection for farmers.
President Mahama made the remarks after signing 10 new laws into effect as part of his government’s broader legislative reform programme.
The Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 replaces the existing legal framework established under the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984, and introduces a number of changes intended to improve the management and development of the cocoa industry.
Cocoa farmers to receive at least 70% of FOB price
One of the key provisions of the new law is a requirement for cocoa farmers to receive at least 70% of the gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price of cocoa.
The provision is expected to give farmers a greater share of the international value of their produce and strengthen their position within the cocoa value chain.
The government has previously linked its cocoa-sector reforms to efforts to ensure that farmers receive a fairer return for their produce.
The introduction of the 70% threshold therefore represents one of the most significant changes in the new legislation and is likely to remain a major focus of discussions about the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
New law seeks to increase local cocoa processing
The Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 also places emphasis on adding more value to cocoa within Ghana.
Under the new framework, at least 50% of cocoa beans are required to be processed locally.
The policy is aimed at reducing Ghana’s dependence on exporting raw cocoa beans and encouraging the development of domestic processing and manufacturing.
Greater local processing could create opportunities for businesses, generate employment and allow Ghana to capture more value from one of the country’s most important agricultural commodities.
Cocoa farms designated as protected lands
Another significant provision of the new law is the designation of cocoa farms as protected lands.
The measure is particularly important in the context of the government’s fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has affected agricultural lands and water bodies in several parts of Ghana.
By giving cocoa farms protected status, the legislation provides an additional legal framework for safeguarding cocoa-growing areas from activities that could threaten cocoa production.
The government has repeatedly identified the protection of agricultural land as essential to the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Tougher measures against cocoa smuggling
The new legislation also introduces tougher measures against cocoa smuggling and the destruction of cocoa farms.
Cocoa smuggling has remained a major concern for Ghana because the illegal movement of cocoa across the country’s borders can deprive the state and farmers of revenue.
The stronger legal provisions are therefore expected to support efforts to protect Ghana’s cocoa beans and ensure that farmers and the state benefit from the legitimate marketing of cocoa.
Greater accountability for COCOBOD
The new law also introduces additional accountability requirements for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Among the provisions is a requirement for COCOBOD to submit regular audited financial statements to Parliament.
The measure is intended to strengthen transparency and financial oversight within the institution responsible for regulating and supporting Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The new accountability requirements come at a time when COCOBOD has faced scrutiny over its financial position, operational costs and management of the cocoa sector.
Mahama confident farmers will welcome the law
President Mahama believes the changes introduced under the new legislation will ultimately serve the interests of cocoa farmers.
His comments come as his administration seeks to implement reforms across several sectors of the economy through new legislation.
The President signed 10 bills into law, covering areas including cocoa, taxation, customs, energy, justice, maritime security and education.
The cocoa legislation is particularly significant because the sector remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of farming households and an important contributor to Ghana’s export earnings.
Concerns emerge from cocoa farmers
While the government has highlighted the potential benefits of the new law, some representatives of cocoa farmers have raised concerns about aspects of the legislation.
The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has criticised the new framework, arguing that it does not adequately address issues such as attracting young people into cocoa farming and promoting technological innovation in the sector.
This suggests that while the new Ghana Cocoa Board Act represents a significant legal reform, its ultimate impact will depend largely on how effectively its provisions are implemented.
For cocoa farmers, issues such as producer prices, timely payments, access to farm inputs, productivity, land protection and the sustainability of the industry will remain critical measures of the success of the reforms.
What the Ghana Cocoa Board Act means for farmers
The new law marks a major change in the legal framework governing Ghana’s cocoa industry.
For farmers, the most notable provisions include the requirement to receive at least 70% of the gross FOB price, stronger protection for cocoa farms, tougher measures against cocoa smuggling and greater emphasis on local processing.
President Mahama is optimistic that these reforms will make cocoa farmers happier and strengthen the sector.
However, the real test will be in implementation and whether the new legal provisions translate into improved incomes, stronger protection and better working conditions for cocoa farmers across Ghana.
