Cocoa farmers across Ghana are warning of a nationwide demonstration next week over delayed payments for cocoa beans supplied to the Ghana Cocoa Board, with arrears dating back to November 2025.
According to the farmers, the prolonged delay in payments has created serious financial strain, leaving many unable to meet basic needs such as medical care, school fees, and household expenses.
President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, says the situation is becoming critical and requires urgent intervention from COCOBOD and government authorities to prevent unrest within the sector.
He explained that many farmers are struggling to cope, as they lack the financial reserves and storage capacity to hold onto their produce while waiting for payment.
Mr Teinor noted that the delay, now stretching to about six weeks, is already affecting livelihoods and could disrupt activities across the cocoa value chain if not resolved quickly.
He cautioned that growing frustration among farmers could lead to street protests if the outstanding arrears are not settled in the coming days, stressing that producers feel neglected despite their central role in the country’s economy.
Farmers are therefore calling for immediate action from COCOBOD to clear the backlog and restore confidence in the payment system.