The Supreme Consultative Council of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the highest decision-making body for unionised workers in the cocoa sector, has expressed strong support for a new pricing arrangement proposed by COCOBOD, projecting it could reduce cocoa smuggling by up to 80 per cent.
Under the new arrangement, the producer price of cocoa has been set at GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag, representing a marginal increase of 0.03 per cent over the previous rate for the 2024/2025 crop season. This translates to GH¢49,600 per tonne.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 May Day celebrations at the Black Star Square in Accra, Chairperson of the Council, Isaac Ansah, said the move could significantly deter illegal cross-border trade.
“If the price goes high, maybe even more than what Côte d’Ivoire is offering, the issue of smuggling, if not taken away, will reduce by more than 80 per cent,” Mr Ansah said.
He noted that the adjustment aligns with prevailing global market conditions and is designed to provide better incentives for Ghanaian cocoa farmers to sell their produce through official channels.
Mr Ansah also addressed the persistent challenge of illegal mining, or galamsey, which continues to affect cocoa production. He described the issue as a complex, nationwide problem rooted in poverty and the lack of economic alternatives.
“We cannot say ‘stop galamsey when we are not opening avenues for them to go and work, when we are not opening the factories, when we are not allowing them to create businesses,” he stated.
According to him, many individuals involved in illegal mining are driven by economic desperation rather than choice, and lasting solutions must include sustainable job opportunities.
Describing May Day as a “powerful celebration” of the country’s workforce, Mr Ansah said the event reflects the strength, unity, and renewed energy of Ghana’s labour force.
“It is more than just a commemoration. It is a moment of national reflection and motivation,” he said, urging workers across the country to remain united and focused on their collective contribution to national development.
Mr Ansah also raised concerns about the treatment of National Service Persons (NSS), describing their current GH₵700 monthly allowance as inadequate and demoralising.
He argued that many service personnel work just as hard as full-time employees, yet their low compensation undermines their morale and potential.
“This financial neglect is not only demoralising young graduates but also pushing some into immoral or illegal paths just to survive,” he warned.
Mr Ansah called on the government to prioritise the welfare of NSS personnel, insisting that investing in their well-being would help nurture a more confident and responsible generation of future leaders.
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