Government has announced that it will supply free fertiliser and other inputs to cocoa farmers from the beginning of the 2025/2026 crop season.

This was disclosed at a press conference delivered by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson after a meeting with the Producer Price Review Committee. According to him, government’s decision to reintroduce the free fertilisers is aimed at supporting farmers to increase production.

“In preparation for the new season, COCOBOD has made available jute sacks and related logistics for the smooth take-off of the 2025/2026 crop Season. Ladies and Gentlemen, and to the cocoa farmer, I am pleased to announce that President John Mahama’s administration has reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme as an additional support to the Ghanaian cocoa farmer, beginning the 2025/2026 crop year.”

Dr. Forson detailed the inputs government intends to supply to farmers, stating that every farmer will benefit from the programme.

“Beginning this crop year, President Mahama’s administration will supply free cocoa fertilisers (both liquid and granular), free insecticides, free spraying machines, free fungicides, and free flower inducers to farmers.”

He, however cautioned farmers against smuggling of fertilisers.

“Government strongly advises cocoa farmers to apply these inputs solely for the purpose of improving cocoa yield and their income. Please do not smuggle them,” he said.

The government also announced the approval of a significant increase in the producer price of cocoa, raising it from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. He added that the current Free-On-Board (FOB) value is based on a blend of contracts sold at $2,600 per tonne in the 2023/24 crop year and forward forecasts for 2025/2026.

The increase means cocoa farmers will now receive GH¢51,660 per tonne or GH¢3,228.75 per 64-kilogramme bag of cocoa.