On February 12, 2026, Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa producer after Ivory Coast, announced a series of emergency reforms aimed at addressing the financial crisis affecting its cocoa sector. This crisis has been largely triggered by a significant drop in global cocoa prices, which has resulted in severe delays in payments to cocoa farmers over the past few months. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson outlined the steps the government plans to take to mitigate these issues, which have left many cocoa producers in dire straits.

The main reform includes an immediate and substantial reduction in the producer price of cocoa. By lowering the price, the Ghanaian government hopes to alleviate some of the financial pressure on the sector and encourage continued production despite unfavorable market conditions. In addition to this price cut, Forson highlighted the need for a complete overhaul of the financing system that supports cocoa farmers, indicating that the existing structures may be inadequate in the current economic landscape.

These measures are critical not only for the survival of Ghana’s cocoa industry but also for the livelihoods of countless farmers who depend on cocoa for their income. The government's actions reflect a broader trend in agricultural sectors worldwide where producers are facing volatility in prices and challenging market conditions. This situation raises concerns about the sustainability of cocoa farming in Ghana and the long-term impacts on food security and economic stability in the region.