By: Kwame Amoah
The Executive Management and Senior Staff of COCOBOD has announced salary reductions for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year, citing liquidity challenges and revenue pressure in the cocoa sector.
In a statement dated Monday, February 16, 2026, COCOBOD announced that the pay cuts take immediate effect and will remain in place for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop year. Executive Management will take a 20 percent reduction in salaries, while Senior Staff have accepted a 10 percent cut.
“The Executive Management and the Senior Staff of COCOBOD have, effective today, Monday, February 16, 2026, reduced their salaries for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year in recognition of the current liquidity challenges in the cocoa industry,” portions of the statement revealed.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened strain in the cocoa industry, marked by rising operational costs, financing pressures, concerns over farmer welfare, and intensified public scrutiny over cocoa pricing and COCOBOD’s financial position.
Industry specialists and stakeholders have lamented the heavy financing burden associated with cocoa purchases, operational commitments, and exposure to global price volatility
The statement, issued by the Board made no mention of details on the size of the liquidity gap or the amount of savings expected from the salary reductions.
However, it stated the leadership’s effort to demonstrate shared sacrifice as the institution pursues broader restructuring measures during the crop season.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW
