ICU-Ghana and GAWU Call for Reversal of COCOBOD Salary Reductions
Labour unions representing Ghana’s cocoa industry have welcomed the government’s latest reform initiatives but strongly opposed plans to reduce salaries for senior management at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), describing the action as both illegal and demoralising.
In a joint statement dated February 17, 2026, the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) and the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) said they back the government’s broader efforts to stabilise and revitalise the cocoa sector, but called on management to rescind the proposed salary reductions.
“The decision to cut salaries for senior and managerial staff… is completely unacceptable,” the unions said, emphasising that it was implemented without observing labour regulations or existing collective agreements.
The unions’ statement followed government announcements on February 12, which outlined a series of reforms designed to restructure COCOBOD operations and strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry.
While expressing support for the overall reforms, the unions commended specific measures, including a new financing framework that allows COCOBOD to allocate up to half of domestic cocoa output to local processors, including the Produce Buying Company (PBC).
“This initiative will expand local processing, create employment opportunities for young people, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on raw cocoa exports,” the statement noted.
The unions also endorsed the government’s decision to transfer COCOBOD’s legacy debts to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, as well as plans to adjust producer prices automatically in line with global market trends and exchange rate fluctuations.
“These measures will provide COCOBOD and PBC with a fresh start,” the statement added.
Despite these positive steps, the unions criticised management’s decision to reduce the salaries of some senior staff by between 10 and 20 per cent. They argued that affected employees are unionised and that the cuts were implemented without proper consultation, violating labour laws and collective bargaining agreements.
The statement, signed by Morgan Ayawine of ICU-Ghana and Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe of GAWU, demanded an immediate reversal of the salary reductions and a renewed dialogue with workers’ representatives.
COCOBOD has faced increasing financial pressures in recent years, with rising debts, operational inefficiencies, and declining productivity causing concern among farmers, staff, and policymakers. Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s top foreign exchange earners, and prolonged instability could affect the wider economy.
The unions noted that they had raised concerns about COCOBOD’s financial challenges since last year and said the current reforms reflect some of their earlier recommendations.
In addition to the salary dispute, the unions urged stronger institutional safeguards to protect COCOBOD from political interference.
“There is a need to establish structures and systems that shield COCOBOD from external pressures and partisan politics,” the statement said.
They expressed confidence that once labour concerns are addressed, staff across COCOBOD’s divisions and subsidiaries would “redouble their efforts” to help the board fulfil its mandate.
The statement was issued as the government continues to implement reforms aimed at restoring confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector and securing its long-term sustainability.
