Young Cocoa Farmers Demand Immediate Payment, Warn Against Further Price Cuts

Young cocoa farmers have issued a strong appeal to the government and sector authorities to urgently settle outstanding payments for cocoa beans delivered months ago, warning that continued delays and possible further price reductions could erode youth participation in Ghana’s cocoa industry.

In a press release dated March 12, the Young Cocoa Farmers Association expressed growing frustration over what they described as prolonged discussions and political commentary surrounding the recent cocoa price reduction, without corresponding action to ensure farmers receive their due payments.

“We have reluctantly accepted the new cocoa price, but that does not mean we are satisfied,” the association said. “We only accepted it because we have no other option.”

According to the group, government officials had earlier indicated that funds had been released to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to farmers. However, many cocoa farmers claim they are still waiting to receive money for cocoa beans sold more than four months ago.

The association described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that cocoa farming involves significant labour, investment and personal sacrifice.

“After all the hard work, sacrifices and dedication that go into cocoa farming, it is painful to find ourselves in such a difficult position,” the statement noted.

Beyond the payment delays, the farmers also raised concerns about unsold cocoa stocks and mounting financial pressure as the lean farming season approaches.

Without timely payments, the farmers say they lack the financial capacity to hire labour for essential farm activities such as weeding, pruning and spraying, or to purchase insecticides needed to maintain their farms.

“We are not asking for favours — we are only demanding what we have rightfully earned,” the association stressed.

The group warned that the current situation is gradually diminishing hope among young people engaged in cocoa farming, a development they say could have long-term consequences for Ghana’s cocoa sector.

The farmers also reacted to reports suggesting that authorities may be considering another reduction in cocoa prices. They urged the leadership of the cocoa sector to halt any such plans, cautioning that another price cut could severely undermine youth participation in cocoa production.

“If such a decision is taken for the second time, it will lead to a total collapse of youth interest and participation in the cocoa sector,” the statement warned.

They further cautioned that lower cocoa prices could inadvertently push some farmers to release their lands for illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which has already caused significant environmental damage in many cocoa-growing areas.

According to the association, sustaining fair prices and ensuring prompt payment to farmers remain critical to protecting both the livelihoods of farmers and the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

The statement was jointly signed by Madam Adwoa Mensah, Executive Secretary of the Young Cocoa Farmers Association, and Martin Adu, Convenor of the group.

The farmers concluded by urging authorities to move beyond discussions and take immediate steps to ensure that all outstanding payments owed to cocoa farmers are settled without further delay.