In a swift response to the cocoa crisis, President John Dramani Mahama has called for an urgent cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to address the dire situation in Ghana's cocoa industry. The meeting comes as a direct response to the mounting concerns over cocoa growers' unpaid invoices and the industry's financial woes. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government have faced intense scrutiny from the minority in parliament, which has repeatedly raised the alarm about the situation. The issue has also sparked outrage among farmers, who are demanding immediate payment of their dues. The government and COCOBOD are under fire for their failure to compensate Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), a delay that has left farmers waiting for months. According to Ranking Member Isaac Yaw Opoku, over GH¢10 billion is currently owed to LBCs, which purchase cocoa beans for COCOBOD. This debt has severely impacted the companies' ability to pay farmers, threatening the long-term sustainability of cocoa buying operations. Farmers across the country are expressing their frustration, with some even calling for immediate payment of the outstanding arrears. The situation has also caused dissatisfaction among cocoa farmers, who are tired of COCOBOD's unfulfilled promises. In response, COCOBOD has acknowledged the issue and initiated payments to LBCs, enabling them to settle their debts with farmers. The board is also exploring new financial arrangements to ensure stability. The cabinet meeting will focus on government measures to alleviate liquidity issues in the cocoa value chain, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution to the crisis.
