Cocoa farmers are demanding a 70% share of the world market price of cocoa, warning of possible action if the government fails to comply. This was disclosed by Johnson Fie, President of the Cocoa Farmers Association, during an interview on National Agenda on Denkyiraman Radio.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Fie stressed that a significant price increase is crucial for sustaining the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the country.
He lamented that, unlike other cocoa producing countries which have regulatory frameworks for selling cocoa directly to consumers and manufacturers, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire lack such systems. He added that in Ghana, cocoa earnings are heavily tied to the national fiscal system.
“After the farmer sells his cocoa, the revenue is supposed to be split — with 70% going to the farmer. But the previous government failed us, only giving farmers 48% despite several meetings. They couldn’t even offer 50%, and that made us furious,” he stated.
Mr. Fie explained that the current demand is a reminder to the new administration to honor the 70% share farmers deserve. He noted that Ghana has one of the lowest cocoa farmer earnings globally.
“We’re not asking for more — just our 70%. Côte d’Ivoire receives the same international price as Ghana, but their farmers’ pay has increased in the last four months. Ghana’s price hasn’t moved,” he said.
While the government has asked for patience as it settles into office, the farmers are concerned about a repeat of past disappointments. Mr. Fie specifically warned against a pricing scheme that pegs the 70% to the Free On Board (FOB) price instead of the actual world market value, which he said would be unfair.
He disclosed that as of June 3, the global price of cocoa stands at $9,654 per metric ton, and farmers would be satisfied if given a fair 70% share of that value.
Mr. Fie acknowledged that President John Mahama has historically been supportive of cocoa farmers, citing his record in 2016. However, he expressed doubt in the current leadership of COCOBOD, stating that farmers’ confidence in the CEO is weak.
“We have confidence in President Mahama, but COCOBOD’s leadership worries us. We are trying not to interfere in the government’s process, but if nothing changes, our actions may be drastic — and they will affect both the government and COCOBOD,” he warned.
