Mahama Reboots Cocoa Sector with Massive Investment

 


President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to restore the free fertilizer programme for cocoa farmers is set to materialise, following a GHC5.1 billion allocation in the 2026 Budget for the purchase and nationwide distribution of free fertilizers and insecticides.

Presenting the Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the initiative as a strategic investment aimed at revitalising Ghana’s cocoa production, which suffered significant decline in recent years.

“Mr. Speaker, production for 2025/2026 is projected at 650,000 metric tonnes. To reach this, Government has budgeted GHC2.4 billion for CODAPEC (mass spraying at no cost to farmers) and GHC2.7 billion for free fertilizer distribution,” Dr. Ato Forson stated.

The announcement delivers on a key promise the NDC made while in opposition—to reinstate the free fertilizer programme scrapped by the previous Akufo-Addo administration. The programme had flourished under Mahama’s first government but was cancelled in 2018, with the erstwhile NPP government opting to sell fertilizers that were previously given to farmers at no cost.

The cancellation contributed to high production costs and dwindling output, compounded by the destructive spread of illegal mining (galamsey) under the former administration, which ravaged cocoa farmlands and water bodies.

With Mahama’s return to power in January 2025, expectations soared for a revival of the programme. In August, Dr. Ato Forson confirmed that the 2026 Budget would include provisions for free cocoa fertilizers—both liquid and granular—free insecticides, free spraying machines, free fungicides, and free flower inducers.

The Finance Minister noted that early signs of recovery are already visible in the cocoa sector. Output increased from 530,783 metric tonnes in 2023/2024 to 603,840 metric tonnes by end of 2024/2025, boosted by targeted interventions.

To curb smuggling, government raised the farm-gate price from GHC49,600/MT to GHC58,000/MT, narrowing price disparities with neighbouring countries. He also revealed progress in settling COCOBOD’s debts, reducing outstanding liabilities from GHC32 billion in March 2025 to GHC20.6 billion by September 2025.

Additionally, government’s cocoa roads rationalisation programme has slashed cocoa roads debt from GHC21 billion to GHC6.9 billion.

Dr. Ato Forson announced ongoing legislative steps to amend the COCOBOD Act, 1984 (PNDCL 81) to shift oversight from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to the Ministry of Finance, a move intended to enhance fiscal discipline and accountability.

The massive investment marks a major turning point for Ghana’s cocoa sector and signals President Mahama’s commitment to restoring confidence, increasing yields, and empowering cocoa farmers nationwide.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chieftaincy Crisis: Ngleshie Alata Chiefs Reject Imposed Mantse

Image
The Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council has strongly condemned the recent induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye, also known as Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, as the Ngleshie Alata Mantse. Speaking on behalf of the council, Nii Ofei III, Divisional Chief of Kokrobitey, alleged that the induction was carried out unlawfully by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs without the knowledge or involvement of the traditional council. According to Nii Ofei III, the process of installing a chief follows clear constitutional and customary guidelines, which were blatantly disregarded in this case. He accused the registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its president, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of collaborating to impose Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye on the traditional council. “This induction was conducted in secrecy. We only became aware of it after a letter circulated about a meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Regional House of Chief...
Read more

Electrochem’s Ada Salt Deal in Jeopardy

Image
The 15-year mining lease agreements for Electrochem Ghana Limited, a private salt mining company to mine salt on the Ada Songhor Lagoon appears to be in jeopardy with the withdrawal of consent to the agreement by the allodia owners of the lagoon.  The latest blow to Electrochem which is owned by Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies is the withdrawal of consent by Nene Korley IV who is the Divisional Chief and Clan-head of the Tekperbiawe Clan of the Ada Traditional Area.  In a letter written to Mr. McKorley through his lawyers A-F Amissah & Wood Solicitors and Barristers Consultants dated 11th February 2025 and titled, “Letter of Withdrawal of Consent to Electrochem’s Dealing With the Songor Lagoon”, Nene Korley IV cited thuggery, insecurity in Ada, violation of rights of the indigenes and locals among others as the reasons for his withdrawal of consent to the company’s dealings with the Songor lagoon. The letter which was copied NENE AB...
Read more

Engineering with Integrity: The voice of IET President, the call of a nation

Image
  On a bright morning in Accra, as sunlight filtered through the windows of the auditorium, a quiet sense of purpose filled the room. Rows of freshly inducted engineering professionals sat in crisp suits and dresses, eyes attentive, hearts proud. This was not just another ceremony. It was a moment of reckoning — and at its center stood a man determined to make that clear. Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), stepped to the podium with the calm authority of a leader seasoned by experience, yet stirred by urgency. As he welcomed the newest members into the professional fold, it became evident that this induction was more than a rite of passage — it was a call to conscience. With measured conviction, Engr. Boateng congratulated the new members on their achievement but reminded them that the true weight of their responsibility was only beginning. “This is not just a ceremony of formality,” he said. “It is a moment of re...
Read more