10/2/2026 By Boakye Stephen | reporting for Ghana News Canada
President John Dramani Mahama has scheduled an emergency Cabinet meeting to address mounting challenges in Ghana’s cocoa sector as concerns grow over delayed payments, financing gaps, and the long-term stability of the industry.
According to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the high-level meeting is expected to take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to examine pressing issues affecting the cocoa value chain.
“President John Dramani Mahama has scheduled an emergency Cabinet session… to address all the issues in Ghana’s cocoa industry,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said in a post on X.
Financing pressures and delayed payments
The emergency meeting comes at a time when the cocoa sector is reportedly under significant financial strain. Industry players say severe financing challenges have led to delayed payments to farmers and other value-chain actors, raising fears about the sector’s future.
“The urgent meeting comes as the cocoa sector faces multiple pressures, including severe financing challenges that have delayed payments to farmers and value chain actors, heightening concerns about the industry’s stability and future.”
Stakeholders have also expressed alarm about liquidity shortfalls affecting Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and cocoa farmers.
“The move comes amid growing alarm over liquidity shortfalls and delayed payments to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), which industry stakeholders warn could destabilise the sector if not swiftly addressed.”
The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) is urging government to act quickly to prevent a breakdown in cocoa purchasing operations.
LICOBAG says the government must secure emergency financing to purchase “an estimated 300,000 tonnes of cocoa beans through September to avoid a potential collapse.”
COCOBOD and policy considerations
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has acknowledged the funding gap and is working with the Ministry of Finance on possible solutions. Among the options reportedly under consideration is reviewing or even abandoning the long-standing syndicated loan model that has historically financed cocoa purchases.
COCOBOD “has acknowledged the funding gap and is working with the Ministry of Finance on possible solutions, including abandoning the long-standing syndicated loan financing model that underpins cocoa purchases.”
Meanwhile, cocoa farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with producer prices for the 2025/2026 season, warning that low rates could encourage smuggling and further undermine incomes.
What the Cabinet meeting seeks to achieve
The emergency Cabinet session is expected to bring together ministers, sector experts, and key officials to develop immediate interventions aimed at stabilizing the industry. These may include securing financing for cocoa purchases, ensuring timely payments to farmers, and restoring confidence in the cocoa economy.
Commentary | By Boakye Stephen
Ghana’s cocoa sector is not just another industry; it is the backbone of rural livelihoods and a major pillar of the national economy. Any sign of instability should be treated as a national emergency.
The need for emergency financing to purchase already-produced cocoa raises deeper structural questions. Why does a sector that generates billions in foreign exchange struggle to pay farmers on time? Why must LBCs constantly depend on uncertain financing arrangements before they can operate effectively?
If the syndicated loan model is now under review, then policymakers must think beyond short-term fixes. Ghana must consider sustainable financing mechanisms, stronger transparency in cocoa revenues, and better price incentives for farmers. Failure to do so risks increased smuggling, farmer dissatisfaction, and long-term production decline.
This moment should not only be about crisis management but also about reform. Ghana cannot afford instability in a sector that feeds families, funds education, and supports the national economy.
For many farmers, the key question remains simple: Will they be paid on time, and will cocoa remain worth farming?
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