The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has completed its mandatory payment obligations to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) for 2026 after settling an additional GH¢2.3 billion, underscoring efforts to strengthen its financial position and restore confidence among investors.
In a statement issued on September 1, 2026, the cocoa sector regulator announced that it had paid GH¢2,306,202,372.09 to holders of bonds affected by the DDEP, bringing its obligations for the year to completion.
The latest payment follows an earlier coupon settlement of GH¢376.3 million made in March 2026.
Combined, the two payments bring COCOBOD’s total disbursements to DDEP bondholders this year to approximately GH¢2.68 billion.
According to the Board, the settlement forms part of its broader commitment to meeting financial obligations and maintaining prudent fiscal management amid ongoing reforms within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The announcement comes after COCOBOD, in July 2026, fully settled GH¢162 million owed to holders of Cocoa Bills who did not participate in the debt exchange programme. The payment effectively cleared all outstanding obligations to the affected non-DDEP Cocoa Bill holders.
COCOBOD said the series of repayments reflects its dedication to the systematic settlement of liabilities while supporting efforts aimed at improving the long-term financial sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The Board noted that these measures are being undertaken under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance.
The completion of the 2026 DDEP bond payments is expected to provide additional assurance to investors and market participants regarding COCOBOD’s capacity to honour its financial commitments, at a time when the institution continues to navigate the challenges facing the cocoa sector.
In the statement, COCOBOD reiterated its commitment to responsible financial management and to sustaining confidence among bondholders, industry stakeholders and the wider investing public.
Source: businesspostonline
