ACCRA, June 18 – Ghana and Ivory Coast have agreed to begin the 2026/27 cocoa season on September 1, 2026, with the marketing season ending on August 31, 2027.
The agreement was announced by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama after a meeting with Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
The two countries, which together produce about 60% of the world’s cocoa, also agreed to align the guaranteed minimum prices paid to cocoa farmers. The farmgate prices are usually announced at the start of each marketing season.
Speaking after the meeting, Mahama said Ghana and Ivory Coast would continue working together to strengthen cooperation in the cocoa sector.
“We are partners, not adversaries or competitors, in the cocoa sector. This collaboration must be strengthened and allow us to make our producers happy,” he said.
The latest agreement builds on efforts by both countries to coordinate policies in the cocoa industry, where they play a leading role in global production.
Earlier this year, Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, moved the start of its mid crop season to March 1 from April 1 in a bid to increase sales of cocoa stocks left over from the main harvest.
