NPP UK statement on COCOBOD, and cocoa farmer payment crisis

The New Patriotic Party in the United Kingdom (NPP UK) expresses deep concern over developments in key Ghanaian state institutions that are adversely affecting hardworking citizens, particularly cocoa farmers, a backbone of the national economy.

COCOBOD PAYMENT CRISIS: FARMERS UNPAID SINCE NOVEMBER 2025

Reports from across cocoa-producing regions indicate that a significant number of cocoa farmers have not received payment for cocoa deliveries dating back to November 2025, creating widespread anger, hardship, and economic distress among farming households. Farmers have publicly warned that continued non-payment threatens future production and rural livelihoods.

Although Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has occasionally released statements suggesting partial payments were made in late 2025 and early 2026, farmers and independent observers report persistent delays and unpaid balances, which contradict assurances of comprehensive resolution.

The situation is exacerbated by structural financing changes since the 2024/2025 crop season, when traditional syndicated loan financing long used to pre-finance cocoa purchases collapsed, leaving the Board without sufficient cash flow to meet obligations.

COCOBOD PROCUREMENT OF LAND CRUISERS DURING PAYMENT DELAYS

Amid this crisis, public scrutiny has sharpened over reports that COCOBOD procured at least four Toyota Land Cruisers and over 100 pickups and vehicles, while farmers remain unpaid.

Cost context: A new Toyota Land Cruiser model today can cost between GHS 1.8 million and GHS 1.99 million in Ghana’s auto market, depending on specification and year. Even at lower valuations (for slightly older models), each vehicle can easily exceed GHS 580,000 – GHS 750,000.

If these vehicles were purchased at market rates, the total procurement could run into several million cedis, resources that many believe should have been prioritised toward clearing cocoa payments. This timing has created a public perception of contradictory priorities and misalignment between leadership choices and farmer welfare.

BROKEN CAMPAIGN PROMISES AND PUBLIC ANGER

It is on public record that during recent political cycles, promises were made to cocoa farmers, including pledges to increase farmgate payments substantially, notably a campaign assertion to raise payments from GHS 3,000 to GHS 6,000 to empower rural producers and strengthen livelihoods. Yet, with the current crisis deepening, many farmers believe these commitments remain unfulfilled in practice.

The consequence is not just economic hardship, it has sown deep frustration and mistrust among grassroots communities, a critical support base for national development.

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
In light of these developments, the NPP UK Branch formally calls on:

• The CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. Ransford Abbey, to resign immediately and take responsibility for institutional mismanagement that has left farmers in distress. He is responsible for not taking advantage of the increased international market price of USD 8000 per tonne. He has crudely hoarded our coca for the price reduce to USD 4000 per tonne and now he cannot pay pour cocoa farmers. It is clear Dr Randy Abbey is incompetent and his position as CEO of COCOBOD is untenable.
• An independent audit of COCOBOD’s financing, procurement decisions, and the utilization of internally generated funds, especially as they relate to vehicle purchases.
• Full disclosure of all cocoa payment records and a transparent schedule for settling outstanding farmer payments without further delay.
• Parliamentary oversight of the structural failures that have contributed to the crisis.

Public institutions exist to serve the people, especially the producers upon whom the economy depends. This moment requires clarity, accountability, and tangible action.

The NPP UK Branch stands in solidarity with cocoa farmers and all stakeholders demanding fairness, transparency, and swift corrective measures. The cocoa sector’s health is not merely an economic issue, it is a matter of national wellbeing and rural stability.

We urge the government, COCOBOD leadership, and all responsible agencies to act decisively to protect farmers, secure Ghana’s cocoa future, and restore confidence in the institutions that underpin our nation’s prosperity.

…Signed…
Kwaku Bimpeh-Director of Communications, NPP UK ([email protected])

Jemima Biney-Deputy Director of Communications, NPP UK

([email protected])