The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has disbursed GH¢4.2 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to enable them to settle outstanding payments owed to cocoa farmers since November 2025.
The payment forms part of efforts by COCOBOD to clear debts within the cocoa sector and restore confidence among farmers and other stakeholders in the industry. The move follows reforms announced in February by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson aimed at restructuring the cocoa sector and addressing arrears across the value chain.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, COCOBOD’s Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Sam, confirmed that the funds have already been released to LBCs to facilitate payments to farmers. He explained that while some farmers have already received their money, others are still awaiting payment due to earlier financing arrangements between COCOBOD and the buying companies.
According to Mr Sam, during the financial difficulties surrounding the cocoa syndicated loan in 2023, some Licensed Buying Companies pre-financed cocoa purchases to ensure farmers were paid. COCOBOD is now reimbursing those companies so they can settle any remaining obligations to farmers.
He added that COCOBOD is working to ensure all outstanding payments are cleared before the end of the 2025/2026 cocoa season, which is expected to conclude around August or September.