The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) – Ghana has urged Parliament to entrench the new Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) reforms, emphasizing the need for greater youth-focused value addition in the cocoa sector to boost jobs, industrialization, and sustainable growth.
Following the Government of Ghana’s policy announcements on 12 February 2026, which included a new financing module for COCOBOD, a reduction in producer prices, the proposed transfer of COCOBOD’s debt to the Ministry of Roads and Highways under the Ministry of Finance, the introduction of a new COCOBOD Bill allowing automatic adjustment of producer prices up to 70% of the world market price, and plans to process up to 50% of cocoa beans locally, YADD Ghana described the reforms as a critical opportunity to strengthen the cocoa industry while protecting farmers’ interests.
Call for Transparency in COCOBOD Financing
Acknowledging government efforts to restructure COCOBOD’s financing for operational efficiency and fiscal discipline, YADD stressed the need for full transparency and parliamentary oversight. The youth advocacy organization called for clear limits on the collateralization of future cocoa proceeds and dedicated investment into productivity, irrigation, research, disease control, and mechanization.
“The financing module must strengthen, not mortgage, the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry,” the group stated.
Support for Automatic Producer Price Adjustment
YADD strongly endorsed the provision in the new COCOBOD Bill that allows automatic adjustment of producer prices up to 70% of the world market rate. The organization explained that a rules-based pricing system would protect farmers from political interference, ensure they benefit during periods of high global cocoa prices, and increase confidence throughout the cocoa value chain.
“This reform is long overdue and aligns with global best practices in commodity governance,” YADD affirmed.
Local Cocoa Processing and Youth Employment
The youth group welcomed government plans to locally process up to 50% of Ghana’s cocoa beans, describing it as a strategic shift toward industrialization, export diversification, and job creation for young Ghanaians in manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and marketing. YADD encouraged government support for private sector participation, incentives for cocoa processors, and youth-focused industrial training programs to maximize employment impact.
Entrenchment of the COCOBOD Bill
Given cocoa’s strategic importance to Ghana’s economy, YADD urged Parliament to entrench the new COCOBOD Bill, requiring a two-thirds majority for any amendment. The organization emphasized that entrenchment would safeguard producer pricing mechanisms from political interference, protect long-term sector reforms, and ensure policy stability and investor confidence.
“Cocoa policy must transcend partisan cycles and serve the national interest for generations,” the statement concluded.
Conclusion
YADD Ghana called on all stakeholders—including government, Parliament, farmer associations, youth groups, and civil society—to work collaboratively to ensure that the reforms deliver transparency, fairness, industrial growth, and sustainable development. The organization underlined that the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry must be farmer-centered, youth-driven, and nationally protected.
Signed: Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) – Ghana
If you want, I can also create a slightly shorter, punchy version suitable for online news portals with strong emphasis on youth empowerment and cocoa sector reforms. It would be perfect for high reader engagement.
