Mahama Woos Young Entrepreneurs To Cocoa Production With Promise Of Attractive Producer Prices

From August 2025, producer price of cocoa will be increased significantly, says President John Dramani Mahama as he calls on the youth to invest in its production. While making remarks during a “Thank You Tour” event in Goaso, he also announced the government’s plans to add 200,000 hectares of cocoa farmland nationwide.

“I can assure you, the price is going to be a very, very, very good price.

“For those without cocoa farms, now is the time to find land and start planting,” he advised.

The 200,000-hectare expansion plan is part of a broader cocoa sector transformation that includes targeted input subsidies, mechanization support, and extension services for farmers.

These measures aim to both increase production and improve yields across existing farms, a move aimed at addressing Ghana’s dwindling cocoa stock over the years.

The cocoa initiative also forms part of the government’s larger “Feed Ghana” program to modernize agriculture and create employment.
Ghana, the second largest producer of cocoa worldwide, behind neighbouring Côte D’Ivoire has been struggling with dwindling cocoa stocks due to factors such as over-aged trees, illegal mining and some farmers cutting down trees to invest in other crops.
The worrying move has attracted criticisms from experts and farmers alike with some blaming the sector’s performance on poor management from cocoa governing body, COCOBOD, a narrative the new John Mahama-led government wants to change to encourage young people to invest in cocoa production for Ghana to regain its lost glory.

President Mahama mentions Ahafo Region’s fertile lands as particularly well-suited for the 200,000 hectares expansion project.

“Through this program, we’ll also improve warehouses and irrigation while supporting young entrepreneurs in agro-processing with financing and training,” he added.