Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness engages cocoa farmers in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District

The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 engaged cocoa farmers at Breman Asempanaye in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District as part of a nationwide effort to interact directly with producers, address concerns over the revised cocoa producer price and outline government’s long-term strategy for the cocoa sector.

The engagement brought together farmers, constituency executives and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Olivia Bentil and formed part of a broader presidential initiative aimed at strengthening trust between government and cocoa-growing communities while promoting value addition and fair pricing.

Dr. Otokunor explained that government is taking decisive steps to reform the cocoa sector, including plans to introduce legislation to restructure the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and protect farmers’ income.

“We are introducing a Bill to Parliament to reform COCOBOD, ensuring that no future government can set a producer price below 70% of the international market rate. Under the President’s vision, we will also take control of global pricing by processing 50% of our cocoa locally before export. By shifting from raw beans to value-added products, we will balance demand and supply to ensure our farmers always receive the satisfactory prices they deserve,” Dr. Otokunor stated.

He further highlighted the impact of past pricing decisions on farmers’ earnings.

“The previous administration signed forward-sale contracts at $2,600 per ton while global market prices soared to $10,000. This decision cost our local cocoa farmers a staggering $7,400 per ton in potential earnings, prioritizing locked-in rates over the true value of their hard work,” he added.

Hon. Olivia Bentil assures farmers of government’s commitment

Hon. Olivia Bentil, District Chief Executive for Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, welcomed the Director and reaffirmed government’s dedication to improving the welfare of cocoa farmers in the district. She emphasized that the engagement demonstrated government’s willingness to listen and respond to the needs of producers.

“Our cocoa farmers are the backbone of our local economy and this direct engagement shows that government values their contribution. We will continue to work closely with the Presidential Initiatives team to ensure our farmers benefit from fair pricing, improved support systems and policies that secure their future,” Hon. Bentil said.

She noted that Asikuma Odoben Brakwa remains one of the key cocoa-producing areas in the Central Region and expressed optimism that the proposed reforms and value-addition agenda would create more jobs, increase farmer incomes and boost local economic development.

The visit formed part of an ongoing nationwide tour by the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness to engage stakeholders, provide clarity on cocoa pricing and outline reforms aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.