The Executive Management and Senior Staff of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have announced salary reductions in response to ongoing liquidity challenges in the cocoa sector.
In a press release dated Monday, February 16, 2026, COCOBOD said the cuts take immediate effect and will remain in place for the rest of the 2025/2026 crop year. Executive Management will take a 20% pay cut, while Senior Staff have agreed to a 10% reduction.
The decision forms part of broader cost-containment measures aimed at aligning expenditure with revenue.
Management added that additional steps — including procurement reforms and a staff rationalisation exercise — are being implemented to stabilise the Board’s finances.
The announcement comes amid increasing pressure on the cocoa industry, driven by rising operational costs, financing constraints, concerns over farmer welfare, and heightened public scrutiny of cocoa pricing and COCOBOD’s financial position.
In recent weeks, the sector has been at the centre of national debate, particularly over producer prices and the long-term sustainability of cocoa farming.
Industry observers have also pointed to the heavy financing burden associated with cocoa purchases, operational commitments, and exposure to global price volatility.
COCOBOD’s leadership described the salary reductions as a shared sacrifice as the institution undertakes broader restructuring during the crop season.
However, the statement did not disclose the size of the liquidity gap or the projected savings from the pay cuts.
