Parliament has passed the Ghana COCOBOD Bill, 2026, introducing a new legal framework to strengthen the regulation, oversight and monitoring of the country’s cocoa value chain while improving the welfare of cocoa farmers.
A key provision of the legislation guarantees cocoa farmers a minimum of 70 per cent of the Free on Board (FOB) price, a move expected to improve farmer earnings.
The Ghana COCOBOD Bill, 2026 also seeks to boost local cocoa processing, protect the cocoa-growing environment and enhance revenue generation as part of efforts to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
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The bill also requires at least 50 per cent of cocoa beans to be processed locally, a move expected to promote value addition, create jobs and strengthen Ghana’s position in the global cocoa industry.
The legislation further provides for the protection of the cocoa farm environment and establishes a Cocoa Tribunal to deal with infractions and disputes within the sector.
The Ghana COCOBOD Bill 2026 passed on Thursday 30th July, 2026 consolidates fragmented cocoa laws into a single legal framework, repealing outdated enactments and providing statutory backing for key institutions, including the Producer Price Review Committee.
The legislation also introduces several new mechanisms to improve the long-term welfare and financial security of cocoa farmers.
These include a Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme, an Educational Trust Scheme, a Cocoa Sector Debt Sinking Fund, and a Cocoa Stabilisation and Diversification Fund.
The new funds and schemes are expected to help cushion cocoa farmers against international price fluctuations while supporting the long-term sustainability and development of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Presenting the Finance Committee’s report on the bill, the Committee’s Chairman and Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, said extensive consultations had been held with relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the consultations were intended to secure broad stakeholder support and ensure that the legislation provides a comprehensive framework for the development of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Mr Adongo emphasised that the passage of the bill would contribute to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the country.
Scholarships and funding for cocoa sector
Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem said the legislation would prioritise scholarships for children of cocoa farmers who pursue agriculture-related courses.
He explained that the initiative would help develop a new generation of professionals who could contribute meaningfully to the management and development of family-owned cocoa farms.
The Deputy Finance Minister also said the Ghana COCOBOD Bill 2026 provides COCOBOD with multiple funding sources to support cocoa purchases and address existing funding gaps within the sector.
Minority Concerns
Meanwhile, the Minority raised concerns about the decision to treat the bill under a certificate of urgency.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, NPP Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi and Deputy Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, opposed the move.
He argued that the cocoa sector directly affects more than 800,000 farmers and supports the livelihoods of more than four million people.
According to him, the importance of the cocoa industry requires broader stakeholder engagement and careful consideration rather than rushing the legislative process.
Despite the concerns raised by the Minority, Parliament proceeded with the passage of the Ghana COCOBOD Bill 2026.
The passage marks a significant step towards reshaping Ghana’s cocoa sector, with the new framework seeking to strike a balance between cocoa farmer welfare, local processing, fiscal sustainability, environmental protection and stronger sector regulation.
The legislation is expected to provide a stronger foundation for the future growth and sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry while creating additional opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders across the cocoa value chain.