The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFAG) has issued a caution about the state of the country’s cocoa industry, citing the government's cocoa price maintenance policy as the root of a deepening crisis.

The association claims that cocoa production has decreased significantly by 70%, and smuggling has surged to alarming levels.

In a statement, CFAG accused the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of ignoring their repeated calls for reforms.

“Despite our efforts to bring this issue to the attention of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), they seem to be turning a blind eye,” the statement said.

The association painted a bleak picture of Ghana’s cocoa sector, stressing that many farmers are abandoning their farms due to economic hardship.

“As farmers, we have worked tirelessly to save cocoa trees and farms across the country. However, the current policy is pushing many farmers to abandon their cocoa farms and seek alternative livelihoods,” the group noted.

Through ongoing community engagement, CFAG says it has uncovered widespread disillusionment among cocoa farmers.

“Many farmers regret planting cocoa, while others see a bleak future ahead,” the statement noted.

The association warned that if the current trajectory continues unchecked, Ghana could lose up to 80% of its cocoa production.

“If the government fails to take resolute action, Ghana risks losing 80% of its cocoa production,” the group cautioned.

CFAG is calling on both COCOBOD and the government to act swiftly and decisively.

“We call on COCOBOD and the government to recognise the gravity of this situation and take urgent measures to support cocoa farmers and revitalise the industry,” it concluded.