New Cocoa Bill to Protect Farms and Ensure Fair Pricing, COCOBOD CEO Assures

Accra: The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, has clarified that the proposed Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, is crafted to protect Ghana's cocoa industry and enforce financial discipline rather than restrict farmers. According to Ghana Web, Dr. Abbey addressed concerns about the Bill during the launch of the Chamber of Cocoa Marketers, emphasizing that its provisions have been misunderstood, particularly concerning cocoa farms and farming practices. He assured farmers that the legislation does not restrict the cultivation of food crops such as plantain alongside cocoa trees. Dr. Abbey highlighted that clauses 80 and 81 of the Bill classify cocoa farms as protected areas, requiring authorization before any destruction or felling of cocoa trees, except for approved rehabilitation. He stressed the need for such measures, citing frequent petitions from farmers about their cocoa farms being destroyed due to activities like mining, lumbering, and real estate development. The C EO also pointed out that the Bill aims to restrict harmful activities within 500 meters of protected cocoa farms, thereby safeguarding production from illegal mining, logging, and real estate encroachment. On the financial front, the Bill seeks to align COCOBOD's decisions with the Public Financial Management Act, introducing a new pricing system to ensure farmers receive 70% of the gross free-on-board value, with adjustments based on market indicators. Describing the legislation as a crucial reform since 1984, Dr. Abbey believes it will enhance COCOBOD's financial sustainability, support local processing, and improve farmer welfare. He encouraged stakeholders to back the reforms and warned against misinformation regarding the Bill.