Cocoa Bill must pass before September season to anchor sector reforms —Dr Jasaw

The Chairman of Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, has defended the expedited passage of the new Cocoa Bill under a certificate of urgency, stressing that the legislation was critical to implementing planned reforms before the 2026/2027 cocoa season begins in September.

Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, Dr Jasaw explained that delaying the Bill until Parliament resumes from its recess in October could have undermined key policy changes, particularly those relating to cocoa pricing and financing arrangements. “The new cocoa season starts in September, and decisions on producer prices and sector financing must be made with the legal backing this legislation provides,” he said.

A Sector Under Pressure

Dr Jasaw noted that Ghana’s cocoa sector—a pillar of the national economy—faces mounting challenges, including climate change impacts, widespread illegal mining (galamsey) on cocoa farms, declining productivity per hectare, and difficulties securing sustainable financing. The new law, he argued, is designed to strengthen the regulatory framework to address these issues, though he cautioned that it is not a panacea.

“Enacting this new law is not the end in itself, but it is a step towards consolidating all the regulations and laws that have hitherto governed the subsector,” he said.

Parliamentary Timing and Legal Necessity

The urgency also stemmed from Parliament’s recess schedule. Lawmakers are not due to return until October, meaning a delay would have left the government without the legal authority to implement reforms during the critical pre-season period. Dr Jasaw argued that postponement could have created legal ambiguities for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in executing its mandate for the new season.

Addressing Consultation Concerns

Responding to criticism that the Bill was rushed without adequate stakeholder input, Dr Jasaw insisted that extensive consultations were conducted. He pointed to COCOBOD’s outreach in cocoa-growing communities across the country, as well as thorough reviews by Parliament’s joint Finance and Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committees before the Bill reached the floor.

“The stakeholder consultation is not a one-off thing. It’s a process. As many stakeholders as possible, in my view, were consulted,” he added.

Broader Reform Context

The new Cocoa Bill is part of a wider reform agenda aimed at revitalising Ghana’s cocoa sector, which has seen declining production in recent years due to ageing trees, disease, and climate variability. Reforms are expected to include revised producer pricing mechanisms, improved financing for farmers, and enhanced regulatory oversight to curb illegal activities on cocoa farms.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen COCOBOD’s capacity to enforce quality standards, combat smuggling, and ensure timely payments to farmers—issues that have long plagued the sector.

Industry Stakeholders React

While some industry players have welcomed the Bill as a necessary step, others have expressed concerns about implementation details and the potential impact on smallholder farmers. Dr Jasaw acknowledged these concerns but emphasised that the legislation is a foundation upon which further policies and regulations can be built.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026/2027 cocoa season approaches, all eyes will be on how the new law is operationalised. Successful implementation could stabilise producer prices, boost farmer incomes, and restore Ghana’s position as a global leader in quality cocoa production. However, as Dr Jasaw noted, the Bill is just the beginning—sustained commitment, adequate resourcing, and continued stakeholder engagement will be essential to achieving lasting transformation.

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