The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA), which represents more than 800,000 cocoa farmers and is affiliated with the Ghana Federation of Labour, has distanced itself from the demonstrations at the headquarters of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

The Association questioned whether those participating in the protests are indeed cocoa farmers, stressing that it does not support the action in its current form.

The protests erupted at COCOBOD’s head office in Accra, where groups of farmers gathered to express frustration over falling producer prices and alleged delays in payments.

According to the demonstrators, the situation is placing cocoa-growing households under severe economic strain.

The unrest follows similar demonstrations in cocoa-growing communities, particularly in the Western North Region, where farmers marched through major towns to register their displeasure over the reduced farmgate price of cocoa.

Although COCOBOD has announced that funds have been released to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to farmers, many producers claim the monies have yet to reach them at the farmgate level, further deepening their frustration.

However, GNACOFA maintains that engagement rather than confrontation offers a more effective approach to resolving the impasse.

The Association has formally requested a meeting with government representatives and key industry stakeholders to deliberate on key challenges facing the cocoa sector, including pricing concerns and payment delays.

According to the group, constructive dialogue remains the most viable path toward addressing farmers’ grievances and securing sustainable solutions for Ghana’s cocoa industry.