Ghana's cocoa farmers remain trapped in poverty despite record-high global prices in 2024, with most earning less than 55 cents per day. The writer, who first covered Ghana's cocoa industry 50 years ago, found that fundamental problems persist: poor roads, ageing trees and farmers, and inadequate infrastructure continue to plague the sector.

While global cocoa prices tripled to over $12,000 per tonne in 2024 before falling to around $3,000 per tonne, small farm sizes and low productivity prevent most farmers from benefiting. Over a third of Ghana's cocoa farmers earn below a living income, with many cultivating less than two acres. The government's 29% price cut in February has worsened conditions, making it impossible for farmers like 72-year-old Nana Ntim to replace ageing trees.

Climate change and smuggling to neighboring Ivory Coast compound the crisis, as does the industry's aging workforce - the average cocoa farmer is now 64 years old. With young people unwilling to take up cocoa farming, Ghana faces losing its position as the world's second-largest producer to Ecuador. The cycle of poor roads reducing profitability and discouraging investment continues unbroken, leaving farmers caught between falling prices and rising costs.