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The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has officially released GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate the payment of cocoa farmers across the country. This significant disbursement is designed to support the ongoing purchasing of cocoa beans in all cocoa-growing regions. Crucially, GH¢1.4 billion of the newly released funds has been specifically earmarked to settle outstanding balances owed to farmers who had previously sold their produce on credit. This move is seen as a critical intervention to alleviate financial pressure on cocoa producers and restore liquidity within the national supply chain.
Since the commencement of the 2025/26 crop season, COCOBOD has demonstrated a substantial financial commitment to the sector, with total disbursements to LBCs now reaching GH¢34,523,447,255.64. This massive capital injection underscores the scale of operations required to maintain Ghana’s position as a leading global cocoa producer. By channeling these funds through the approved LBC network, the Board aims to streamline the procurement process and ensure that the economic benefits of the harvest are distributed efficiently among the thousands of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the industry.
To ensure the integrity of the payment process, COCOBOD has emphasized its close collaboration with the LBCs to monitor the flow of funds. The Board has established robust monitoring mechanisms to verify that the money reaches the intended recipients without delay or unauthorized deductions. Officials have reiterated their commitment to transparency, asserting that every farmer who sells cocoa through the approved national system is guaranteed prompt and full payment. This oversight is intended to build trust between the regulatory body and the farming community while discouraging the side-selling of produce.
The release of these funds reflects a broader governmental strategy to safeguard the welfare of cocoa farmers and maintain the long-term sustainability of Ghana's cocoa industry. Beyond providing immediate financial relief, the initiative is part of a concerted effort to enhance the livelihoods of those in the sector and ensure the industry remains resilient against global market fluctuations. As the crop season progresses, the prompt settlement of farmer payments is expected to stabilize production levels and reinforce the overall integrity of the Ghanaian cocoa marketing system.