Cocoa sector crisis poses national security threat – IERPP warns government

Business February 25, 2026 admin 32 views 0 comments

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has warned that recent developments in Ghana’s cocoa sector could pose serious risks to the economy and national security.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Isaac Boadi, the institute criticised the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price from GH₵3,625 to GH₵2,587, a move it said has been widely rejected by farmers.

IERPP noted that over one million people depend directly on the cocoa sector and cautioned that the price reduction could discourage farmers, lead to farm abandonment, job losses, and social instability in cocoa-growing communities.

The institute also warned of potential environmental consequences, suggesting that some farmers may turn to illegal mining activities or sell their lands to illegal miners if cocoa farming becomes unprofitable.

Describing cocoa as a long-standing pillar of Ghana’s economy and a major export earner, IERPP urged government to urgently reconsider the decision and restore the previous producer price to avert possible economic and security repercussions.

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