Report: Ghana loan repayment delay threatens cocoa bean purchases.

According to informed sources, the Ghana Cocoa Regulatory Authority has failed to repay over $400 million in loans borrowed from traders in the past two years, increasing the risk that the country will not have enough cash to purchase cocoa beans in the next production season - this setback could squeeze global supply. The new leadership of the Ghana Cocoa Board hopes to complete an audit of old contracts before disbursing loans. The delayed debt repayment threatens cocoa bean purchases from farmers and delivery to international buyers, potentially putting upward pressure on cocoa futures.