2026 Budget: Gov’t allocates GH₵5.1bn for cocoa support – Ato Forson
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the allocation of GH₵5.1 billion budgeted to support cocoa farmers in the 2025/26 season, including mass spraying and free fertiliser distribution.
Presenting the 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 13, he highlighted that the cocoa sector is showing early signs of recovery, despite softer global prices, noting that output rose from 530,783 metric tonnes in 2023/24 to 603,840 metric tonnes by the end of 2024/25, driven in part by targeted anti-smuggling measures.
“To achieve projected production of 650,000 metric tonnes for 2025/26, the government has budgeted GH₵2.4 billion for CODAPEC mass spraying at no cost to farmers and GH₵2.7 billion for free fertiliser distribution,” he said.
Ato Forson added that the cocoa farm-gate price was increased from GH₵49,600/MT to GH₵58,000/MT to reduce cross-border price gaps and curb smuggling, ensuring farmers benefit from competitive returns.
The 2026 budget allocations reflect the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity while supporting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the country.
