President John Dramani Mahama has made a stunning personal revelation — he is a cocoa farmer, and the recent cuts to cocoa producer prices have directly affected his own farms.
Speaking at an industry event on February 17, 2026, Mahama used his personal experience to underscore the urgent need for farmer-centered reforms in Ghana's agricultural sector.
"I know the pain of the cocoa farmer because I am one," Mahama said. "The price cut has affected me too. We need policies that reflect the lived realities of those at the production level."
The President used the platform to announce a major policy shift that could transform Ghana's agricultural exports. Ghana will end the export of raw cashew, shea, and rubber, with all produce to be processed locally before export.
"Let's take pride in manufactured cocoa, not just raw beans," Mahama declared. "We can no longer be content with exporting our resources in their raw form while others add value and reap the benefits."
The policy, if successfully implemented, would require significant investment in processing facilities and technology across the country.
Industry analysts have welcomed the move but cautioned that infrastructure gaps and financing challenges could hamper implementation.
The President's revelation of his farming interests adds a personal dimension to his administration's agricultural policies and may bolster his credibility with rural voters.
Cocoa farmers have welcomed the President's empathy, with many hoping the personal connection translates into tangible policy improvements.
