Ghanaian Cocoa Farmers Anticipate Rebound Despite Persistent Challenges

Ghanaian cocoa farmers are hopeful for a production boost in the 2024/2025 season following a poor harvest this year. El Nino, smuggling, and swollen shoot disease negatively impacted production, yet improved weather and disease management efforts provide optimism. Challenges remain with fertilizer supply, pricing, and smuggling affecting the sector.

Ghanaian cocoa farmers are optimistic about a production uplift in the upcoming 2024/2025 season, following a significant drop in yield this year. The decline in production, driven by adverse weather linked to El Nino, smuggling, and swollen shoot disease, has pushed global cocoa prices to record highs.

This season marked one of Ghana's most disappointing harvests in a decade. However, the anticipated increase in production could benefit not only Ghana's economy but also the global chocolate industry, which is grappling with supply constraints. COCOBOD officials and buyers forecast a rebound due to favorable weather patterns and the rehabilitation of farms previously affected by disease and illegal mining.

While improved weather conditions have been noted, leading to positive outlooks from farmers like George Opoku Koduah and Theophilus Tamakloe, concerns remain. Farmers highlight issues with inadequate fertilizer and pesticide supplies, low wholesale cocoa prices, and ongoing smuggling activities. Despite these challenges, a spokesperson for COCOBOD reassured that chemical supplies are adequate but distributed cautiously to prevent misuse and smuggling.

(With inputs from agencies.)