The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has sharply criticised the government’s decision to set the cocoa producer price at GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag, effective Thursday, February 12, 2026, describing the move as a betrayal of farmers and a departure from campaign promises.
In a statement issued the same day, the group expressed “deep outrage, disappointment, and total condemnation” over the announcement, arguing that the policy would worsen the economic hardship facing cocoa farmers across the country.
According to the CDM, the decision contradicts assurances given by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general election campaign, when party leaders pledged to significantly increase cocoa prices upon assuming office.
The group cited comments attributed to President John Dramani Mahama during the campaign: “When we win power, we will restore dignity to the cocoa farmer by ensuring that the price of cocoa is increased substantially. Cocoa farmers deserve far better than what they are currently receiving.”
It also referenced another campaign pledge: “Under an NDC government, cocoa farmers will earn not less than GH¢6,000 per bag, because they are the backbone of our rural economy.”
The CDM further recalled that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, while in opposition, had criticised the cocoa pricing regime, saying: “The price of cocoa is unacceptable. An NDC government will immediately review it upward to reflect the true value of the farmer’s labour and sacrifice.”
The organisation argued that, rather than improving farmer incomes, the new price risks deepening rural poverty at a time of rising input and labour costs and declining yields linked to climate conditions.
It also warned of environmental consequences, claiming reduced profitability in cocoa farming could push some farmers toward illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, thereby undermining national efforts to protect farmlands and water bodies.
The CDM called for the immediate reversal of the announced price, implementation of higher payments to farmers, urgent stakeholder engagement, and a transparent pricing framework that prioritises farmer welfare.
The group said it would continue to advocate for what it described as fair pricing and improved livelihoods for cocoa farmers nationwide.
