Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed to harmonise cocoa producer pricing policies as part of efforts to improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen market stability and enhance cooperation in the cocoa sector.

The agreement was announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson following the 7th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) held in Abidjan on June 16, 2026.

Presenting the committee’s conclusions, Dr Forson said the two countries had agreed to adopt measures aimed at aligning farm gate prices.

According to him, the arrangement includes stronger collaboration between trading rooms, increased data sharing and the harmonisation of cocoa crop calendars.

The two countries also agreed to align the principles used in determining cocoa prices to reduce disparities in producer prices and country differentials.

To support the process, a technical task force comprising experts from both countries will be established to develop a price coordination framework and periodically review producer prices.

Dr Forson further announced that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed to harmonise their cocoa crop calendars, with the cocoa year running from September 1 to August 31 beginning with the 2026/2027 crop season.

He said the committee reaffirmed its commitment to long-term coordination in cocoa price management and marketing.

The decision forms part of broader efforts by the two countries to strengthen cooperation in a sector that remains a major source of income for millions of farmers.

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire together account for more than half of global cocoa production.

Differences in producer prices have often been linked to cross-border cocoa smuggling and other market distortions.

The steering committee said the harmonisation measures are intended to improve farmer remuneration while promoting greater stability and sustainability in the cocoa industry.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Forson and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Nabagné Koné. Discussions also covered scientific cooperation, sustainable cocoa production and regional collaboration within the sector.