The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) – Ghana has called for urgent reforms in the cocoa sector, advocating for farmer-centered policies, youth-driven value addition, and the full entrenchment of the new Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill to protect the future of the industry.
The appeal follows government policy announcements on 12 February 2026, which introduced 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, and plans to process up to 50% of cocoa beans locally. The announcements also included a provision allowing automatic adjustment of producer prices up to 70% of the world market price.
Transparency and Accountability in Financing
YADD acknowledged government efforts to restructure COCOBOD’s financing to improve operational efficiency and fiscal discipline but emphasized that transparency and accountability must underpin all arrangements. The youth organization called for full parliamentary scrutiny of financing deals, clear limits on the collateralization of future cocoa proceeds, and dedicated investments in productivity, irrigation, research, disease control, and mechanization.
“The financing module must strengthen, not mortgage, the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry,” YADD stated, underscoring the need to protect the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Automatic Producer Price Adjustment
The youth group strongly supported the provision in the new COCOBOD Bill allowing automatic adjustment of producer prices up to 70% of the world market price. YADD said a rules-based pricing system would shield farmers from political manipulation, ensure fair benefits 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,” the organization added.
Local Processing and Youth Employment
YADD welcomed government plans to locally process up to 50% of cocoa beans, describing it as a strategic move toward industrialization, export diversification, and job creation for young Ghanaians. The youth advocacy group urged government support for private sector participation, incentives for cocoa processors, and youth-focused industrial training programs to maximize employment opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and marketing.
Entrenchment of the COCOBOD Bill
Given cocoa’s central role in Ghana’s economy, YADD urged Parliament to entrench the new COCOBOD Bill, requiring a two-thirds majority for any amendment. The organization said entrenchment would protect producer pricing mechanisms from political interference, safeguard long-term reforms, and enhance policy stability and investor confidence.
“Cocoa policy must transcend partisan cycles and serve the national interest for generations,” the statement affirmed.
Conclusion
YADD Ghana called on government, Parliament, farmer associations, youth groups, and civil society to collaborate to ensure these reforms deliver transparency, fairness, industrial growth, and sustainable development. The organization emphasized 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
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