Gov't targets GH₵30bn domestic bond to support COCOBOD

A member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Atta Issah, has disclosed that the government is planning to raise about GH₵30 billion through a syndicated domestic bond to support the operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Atta Issah explained that the funds are intended to strengthen COCOBOD’s working capital and stabilise the cocoa sector.

“If you look at the working capital, it is the forces or the drivers of ownership funding. So, if the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance are equity shareholders, they make contributions,” he said.

According to him, the move forms part of a broader strategy to reduce Ghana’s dependence on international borrowing, which he described as often unfavourable.

“The government is also of the view that we cannot continue to rely on the international market, which is often not favourable to Ghana. As a result, the government is providing guarantees to make sure that we issue syndicated domestic bonds. This has been the standard practice, even in the Ivory Coast and other places,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that its Board of Directors will forgo sitting allowances for the remainder of the 2025/26 cocoa season in support of ongoing sector reforms.

In a public notice, the Board said the decision forms part of efforts to reform Ghana’s cocoa industry and strengthen its long-term sustainability.

It stated that members have resolved not to receive any sitting allowances for the rest of the season.

According to the statement, the move reflects the Board’s commitment to prudent financial management, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership as COCOBOD undertakes critical reforms to address recent challenges in the sector.

The Board added that it remains dedicated to measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, promoting accountability, and safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across Ghana.

It also pledged to continue working collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders to secure a resilient and sustainable future for the cocoa industry.