An Africa Policy Lens fellow, Dr Eric Boachie Yiadom, has warned that the growing challenges confronting Ghana’s cocoa sector could result in increased smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring countries if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking on TV3’s Business Focus on Monday, February 9, 2026, Dr Boachie Yiadom said the financial strain on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) threatens its ability to pay cocoa farmers promptly, a situation that could push farmers to seek alternative markets outside the country.
According to him, delays in payments send negative signals to farmers ahead of the next crop season.
“The challenge facing COCOBOD is huge. They need substantial funding to be able to pay farmers. If that does not happen, it sends a signal to farmers in the next crop season to sell to other countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire, which could lead to smuggling,” he stated.
Dr Boachie Yiadom explained that uncertainty surrounding payment timelines creates insecurity for farmers, who rely heavily on timely income to sustain their livelihoods.
“If farmers are not sure when the government is going to pay them, they will look elsewhere to sell their cocoa beans,” he added.
He cautioned that the situation could have direct consequences for cocoa farmers if immediate financial support is not provided.
“If they do not get the money now, it will affect them directly,” he warned.
The economist called on COCOBOD’s leadership and the government to act swiftly to protect the sector and avert a potential crisis in the next cocoa season.
“Those in charge of COCOBOD must act decisively, and government should step in to save the next crop season and prevent farmers from smuggling cocoa to neighbouring countries,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has also raised concerns over COCOBOD’s alleged inability to pay farmers for cocoa beans already supplied. The Minority has launched a scathing critique of the government and COCOBOD, accusing them of failing to settle an estimated GH¢10 billion owed to cocoa farmers for produce delivered since late last year.
