The government has earmarked GH₵5.1 billion to support cocoa farmers in the 2025/26 season, covering mass spraying and free fertiliser distribution, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.
Presenting the 2026 Budget, Dr Forson noted that the cocoa sector is showing early signs of recovery despite softer global prices.
Output increased from 530,783 metric tonnes in the 2023/24 season to 603,840 metric tonnes by the end of 2024/25, driven in part by targeted anti-smuggling measures.
“To achieve the projected production of 650,000 metric tonnes for 2025/26, the government has budgeted GH₵2.4 billion for CODAPEC mass spraying at no cost to farmers and GH₵2.7 billion for free fertiliser distribution,” he said.
Dr Forson also highlighted that the cocoa farm-gate price has increased from GH₵49,600 per metric tonne to GH₵58,000 per metric tonne.
The move is aimed at reducing cross-border price disparities and curbing smuggling, ensuring that farmers receive competitive returns for their produce.
The 2026 budget allocations underscore the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across Ghana.
The GH₵5.1bn government package aims to support cocoa farmers, increase output, and ensure long-term sector sustainability.
However, the government has announced a fresh capital injection of GH¢401 million into the Women’s Development Bank to expand access to affordable finance for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This new funding comes on top of the GH¢51.3 million seed fund allocated to the Bank in 2025.
