The Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD) has expressed deep concern over the current challenges facing Ghana's cocoa sector, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.

In a press statement, the BIRDD Executive Director, Dr Anane Agyei, said numerous farmers who supplied their harvest last season have not received payment, and some encounter difficulties selling their current cocoa beans.

The statement said the government has also failed to honour its commitment to increase the official price of a bag of cocoa to over GHS6,000 per bag.

"The failure to implement the promised price increase has further undermined confidence in public policy. When farmers deliver produce in good faith but do not receive expected remuneration, trust in institutions erodes," the statement said.

Price increase

The BIRDD called for immediate payment to all farmers who supplied cocoa last season, clear communication on purchasing arrangements and honouring the promised price increase.

The Institute also recommended support for productivity and sustainability, including farm rehabilitation programmes and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

The cocoa sector is a critical component of Ghana's economy, sustaining hundreds of thousands of rural households and generating substantial national revenue.

The BIRDD stated that disruption to the sector carried serious social, economic and governance consequences.