Catholic Bishops call for immediate payment of cocoa arrears and price stability

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening crisis in Ghana’s cocoa sector, warning that delays in payments and falling producer prices are pushing farmers into severe hardship.

In a press statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, and signed by its President, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference said many farmers have gone for months without receiving payment for cocoa already delivered.

“For months, many farmers have endured delays in payment for cocoa already delivered, resulting in unpaid labour, disrupted schooling, mounting debt, and growing vulnerability to illegal mining,” the statement noted.

The Bishops also criticised the recent reduction in producer prices, describing it as unfair to farmers who are already struggling.

“The recent reduction in the producer price has further eroded confidence and intensified hardship,” the Conference stated, adding that “farmers must not bear the full burden of systemic and historical failures.”

According to the Bishops, producer prices should at least be maintained in difficult times, especially since farmers did not benefit proportionately during years of high earnings.

“Equity and justice therefore demand that accumulated surpluses be used to cushion farmers in difficult years,” the statement stressed.

“To penalise them for circumstances beyond their control would be insensitive and morally indefensible.”

The Conference further expressed concern about Ghana’s declining position in the global cocoa market, noting growing competition from other producing countries.

“Ecuador is on course to overtake Ghana as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, while the combined output of Nigeria and Cameroon threatens to form a powerful third force,” it said.

The Bishops warned that climate change, land degradation, and illegal mining are worsening the situation, placing the country “at a strategic crossroads.”

In its recommendations, the Conference called for immediate reforms in the cocoa sector, including the settlement of arrears and restructuring of key institutions.

“We therefore call for the immediate payment of all arrears, transparent financial restructuring of the Ghana Cocoa Board, sustained producer prices, intensified investment in productivity, and a depoliticised national dialogue centred on farmers’ welfare,” the statement said.

The Conference also emphasised the need to prioritise youth participation, research, and local processing to secure the future of the industry.

It further disclosed that a detailed pastoral letter on the crisis has been submitted to President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of Parliament.

“A detailed pastoral letter on the cocoa crisis has been conveyed privately to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the Leadership of Parliament for their consideration and further action,” the statement revealed.

The Bishops described the struggle of cocoa farmers as a national moral issue.

“The rescue of Ghana’s cocoa industry is not merely an economic task. It is a moral imperative,” the Conference declared. “Justice for cocoa farmers is justice for Ghana.”