The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) and the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have demanded an immediate reversal of salary cuts imposed on senior and management staff of the Ghana Cocoa Board, describing the 10% and 20% reductions as unacceptable.
In a joint statement dated February 17, 2026, the unions faulted the decision by COCOBOD management to reduce salaries without consultation and in violation of established labour laws and collective agreements.
They stressed that some of the affected staff are unionised, making prior engagement not only necessary but mandatory.
While rejecting the pay cuts, ICU-Ghana and GAWU endorsed the broader reform measures recently announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to restructure COCOBOD’s operations.
The unions described the interventions as timely and economically sound, particularly in light of the financial and operational challenges confronting COCOBOD and the Produce Buying Company (PBC).
Among the measures welcomed is the introduction of a new financing model that will allocate 50% of Ghana’s cocoa output to the Cocoa Processing Company and other local processors to enhance domestic value addition. The unions believe this approach will stimulate industrial growth, create jobs especially for the youth, and strengthen Ghana’s export base.
“…Undoubtedly, these interventions will give COCOBOD and PBC a new lease of life and the impetus needed to deliver on their mandate to stabilise and transform the cocoa industry in Ghana,” the statement noted.
Despite their support for the structural reforms, the unions insisted that cost-containment efforts must not sidestep due process or undermine workers’ rights. They are therefore calling for renewed engagement with COCOBOD management to chart a mutually agreed path forward.
