The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced the full settlement of outstanding obligations owed to holders of Cocoa Bills who did not participate in the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), paying a total of GH¢162 million.
In a statement issued on July 15, 2026, the cocoa regulator said the payment covers all remaining obligations to individual investors whose Cocoa Bills were left unpaid following the implementation of the debt restructuring programme in 2023.
The development marks a significant step in COCOBOD’s efforts to restore confidence among investors and strengthen its financial standing after a period of fiscal constraints that affected its ability to honour some obligations.
According to COCOBOD, some payments due to non-participating Cocoa Bill holders remained outstanding after the rollout of the DDEP because of financial challenges faced by the Board.
However, the institution said it has now fully settled the liabilities as part of its commitment to honour all legitimate debts and improve its relationship with investors.
“The Board has now fully settled these obligations as part of its commitment to honour all legitimate debts,” the statement noted.
Beneficiaries have been advised to contact their respective fund managers to access their payments.
The settlement is expected to bring relief to affected investors, many of whom had waited for more than three years for payment following Ghana’s debt restructuring exercise.
COCOBOD expressed appreciation to investors for their patience and understanding during the period of delay, emphasizing its determination to rebuild trust in the cocoa sector’s financial instruments.
The institution further reiterated its commitment to restoring confidence, strengthening its financial position and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Market observers say the move could help improve investor sentiment toward COCOBOD-issued securities and reinforce confidence in the government’s broader efforts to normalise financial obligations linked to the debt exchange programme.
The settlement also comes at a time when the cocoa sector remains central to Ghana’s export earnings and foreign exchange generation, with policymakers seeking to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability across the industry.
COCOBOD has encouraged affected investors seeking additional information on the settlement process to liaise with the Public Affairs Department or their respective fund management institutions.
Source: businesspostonline
