The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has inaugurated a new 11-member board, signaling a fresh push to address the pressing challenges facing the cocoa sector, a critical pillar of the country’s economy.
The board, chaired by Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, includes Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, and COCOBOD Chief Executive Randy Abbey, alongside Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Deputy Trade Minister Samson Ahi, Deputy Agriculture Minister John Dumelo, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, and Nana Charles.
At the inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Finance, Energy Minister John Jinapor, who presided over the event, expressed concern about the sharp decline in Ghana’s cocoa production, which has dropped from a peak of 1 million metric tonnes to roughly 500,000 metric tonnes.
Sector Reforms and Strategic Direction
Jinapor described COCOBOD as once being a “symbol of Ghana’s economic strength,” but warned that it had become a “shadow of its former self” due to declining yields, disease outbreaks, and financial mismanagement. He urged the newly appointed board to act swiftly to reverse the decline, emphasizing the importance of innovative reforms.
Finance Minister Dr. Forson, a key member of the board, echoed this sentiment, describing cocoa as the “jewel of Ghana’s economy.” He outlined a series of planned reforms, including the establishment of 200 hectares of plantation farms, aimed at doubling current production levels. Forson also highlighted the urgent need to combat cocoa plant diseases, particularly in the Western Region, which has been hit hardest.
Board Chair’s Call for Transformation
Board Chairman Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, in his inaugural address, promised a “reset, retool, and reimagine” agenda for COCOBOD, describing the board’s mandate as a call to duty. He thanked President John Mahama for the confidence placed in the new leadership team and pledged to restore COCOBOD’s reputation as a global cocoa powerhouse.
Dr. Ampofo also urged Ghana’s political class to take the lead in encouraging youth participation in cocoa farming, pointing to the need for a generational shift in agricultural leadership.
The new board’s primary mandate is to address the long-standing challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa industry, including low productivity, financial mismanagement, and the impact of climate change. With the cocoa sector contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, the board’s success is seen as critical to restoring confidence and ensuring long-term sustainability.
