The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has challenged the legality of the government’s GH¢2,650 cocoa producer price for the 2026/27 season, demanding an upward review.

The party said the price, announced on September 25, falls short of the statutory minimum it says is prescribed under the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182).

COCOBOD has set the new price at GH¢42,400 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,650 per 64kg bag, up from GH¢41,392 per tonne, or GH¢2,587 per bag, in the previous season. The Board says the new price represents 71.18% of the realised gross Free-on-Board (FOB) value and complies with the new law.

However, in a statement, the NPP disputed the government’s calculation and argued that Section 57 of Act 1182 requires the producer price to be at least 70% of the realised gross FOB price for the crop season.

Using what it described as conservative assumptions about international cocoa prices, the party calculated a minimum price of about GH¢2,968 per 64kg bag and claimed the announced price therefore leaves a shortfall of approximately GH¢318 per bag.

The NPP called on the government to publish the full computation behind the GH¢2,650 price, including the realised gross FOB price, forward-sale volumes and prices, treatment of the Living Income Differential and the exchange rate used.

The party also renewed its criticism of the government’s decision in February 2026 to reduce the 2025/26 producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag. It described the reduction as arbitrary and unlawful and demanded payment of what it considers outstanding amounts owed to affected farmers.

The NPP further raised concerns about reported arrears from the 2025/26 season, citing a claim by the Chamber of Cocoa Marketers that cocoa beans worth about GH¢4 billion delivered to COCOBOD remained unpaid. It questioned whether sufficient financing was available to ensure prompt payment during the new season.

The party is demanding five measures: publication of the pricing calculations; a review of the producer price; payment of amounts it says were withheld following the February reduction; settlement of outstanding farmer and Licensed Buying Company arrears; and a credible financing plan for the 2026/27 cocoa season.

COCOBOD, meanwhile, says the new pricing framework follows consultations with the Ministry of Finance, cocoa farmers, licensed buying companies, hauliers and processors. The Board has also announced a domestic cocoa financing programme intended to mobilise funding for 2026/27 purchases and refinance existing obligations.