The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has released GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to cocoa farmers across all cocoa-growing regions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 2 July, COCOBOD said the funds are intended to pay farmers for cocoa purchases made during the 2025/26 crop season.

According to the Board, it has paid a total of GH¢34.52 billion to Licensed Buying Companies since the start of the 2025/26 crop season for onward payment to cocoa farmers.

Of the GH¢2.6 billion released, approximately GH¢1.4 billion has been allocated to settle the remaining amounts owed by Licensed Buying Companies to farmers for cocoa purchased on credit.

COCOBOD said it is working closely with the Licensed Buying Companies to ensure that all affected farmers receive their outstanding payments.

The Board added that it has put in place monitoring measures to ensure the funds reach the farmers who are owed.

COCOBOD assured cocoa farmers that no one would be denied payment for cocoa legitimately sold through the approved cocoa purchasing system.

It encouraged farmers with outstanding payments to contact the Licensed Buying Company through which they sold their cocoa.

The Board said it would continue working with stakeholders to ensure all outstanding obligations are settled.

COCOBOD stated that the release of the funds reflects the government's commitment to protecting the welfare of cocoa farmers and maintaining the integrity of Ghana's cocoa industry.

It also expressed appreciation to cocoa farmers for their continued contribution to the country's economy and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the cocoa value chain, improving farmer welfare and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.