Speaking on TV3’s Business Focus on Monday, 9 February 2026, Dr Boachie Yiadom said the financial pressures on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) could affect its ability to pay farmers on time, creating incentives for farmers to sell their produce outside the country.
“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 said.
Dr Boachie Yiadom explained that uncertainty over payment timelines could push farmers to seek alternative markets.
He further noted that, “If farmers are not sure when the government is going to pay them, they will look elsewhere to sell their cocoa beans.”
The Economist warned that, “If they do not get the money now, it will affect them directly,”
Dr Boachie Yiadom urged COCOBOD’s leadership and the government to take swift action to safeguard the sector.
“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 been reacting to concerns over the Ghana Cocoa Board’s inability to pay farmers for cocoa beans already supplied.
The Minority has launched a scathing critique of the government and COCOBOD, alleging a catastrophic failure to pay cocoa farmers an estimated GHC10b for produce delivered since late last year.
