The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government of failing to release GH¢10 billion owed to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), a delay they say is leaving cocoa farmers across the country in serious financial distress.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, said the government’s failure to reimburse the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has prevented the Board from paying LBCs for cocoa already supplied.
The Ofinso South MP alleged that a power struggle between the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD and the Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Board has paralysed decision-making at the top of the cocoa sector, with political interference further worsening the situation.
He disclosed that cocoa farmers have not been paid since November 2025, forcing many into hardship and making it difficult for them to cater for their families and medical needs.
The Minority also criticised the government for failing to honour its earlier promise to pay GH¢6,000 per bag of cocoa beans, noting that despite reducing the price to GH¢3,625 per bag, payments have still not been made.
Describing the situation as dishonest, Mr Opoku accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of making lofty promises while in opposition but failing to deliver in government.
The Caucus urged the government to urgently release the funds to prevent further suffering among cocoa farmers, stressing that the cocoa sector remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy.
