President John Mahama has publicly identified himself as a victim of the recent downward adjustment in cocoa producer prices, revealing that he manages a personal 50-acre cocoa farm. Addressing the inaugural Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit in Accra on February 17, 2026, the President stated that his perspective on agricultural policy is influenced by his first-hand experience as a grower. He emphasized that when the government makes decisions to reduce prices, it affects his personal income just as it does for millions of other farmers across the nation.
The context of his remarks stems from the recent reduction of the cocoa producer price, which dropped from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag. This adjustment was necessitated by extreme instability in the international commodities market and mounting liquidity challenges at COCOBOD. President John Mahama explained that being an active farmer allows him to empathize with the struggles of others, especially concerning the high cost of inputs such as fertilizer. He noted that “if the price of fertilizer is high, I feel it because I also buy fertilizer,” underscoring the need for farmer-centered reforms in 2026.
Beyond the news of the price cut, President John Mahama used the summit to outline a strategic shift toward value-added production. He urged the industry to take pride in manufactured cocoa products rather than just the export of raw beans. The President also announced that Ghana is moving to end the export of raw cashew, shea, and rubber, aiming to localize processing and boost national revenue. This policy direction is intended to mitigate the impact of global price fluctuations that currently plague the cocoa sector and threaten farmer livelihoods.
- Mahama Directs Security Agencies to Retain Data of Unsuccessful Applicants
- Global Shocks: John Mahama warns Middle East conflict could derail African economies
- Former NDC member Umar Sanda independent candidate parliamentary bid fueled by alleged broken MCE promise
- Dominic Nitiwul Claims Glorification of Traoré Triggered Tomato Traders Attack In 2026
- Minority Urges Dismissal of COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey Following Cocoa Price Reduction
As of February 17, 2026, the President’s personal admission has sparked a broader debate on the necessity of direct government subsidies for agricultural inputs. While some critics argue that the price cut was too steep, John Mahama maintains that his administration is working to balance sector sustainability with fair compensation for producers. The commitment to understanding the “lived realities” of farmers remains a central theme of his 2026 economic agenda. We will continue to monitor the implementation of these tree crop investment strategies.
