Cocoa farmers across the country have labeled the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as the Acting CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) as unconventional.
However, they remain hopeful that his leadership could usher in the much-needed transformation for the cocoa sector.
The industry currently faces challenges such as declining production, smuggling, and pricing issues, all of which stakeholders say require bold and decisive solutions.
In an interview with Citi Business News, Obed Owusu-Addai, a cocoa farmer and Co-Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, expressed cautious optimism regarding Dr. Abbey’s appointment.
“We see the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as unconventional, but sometimes, an outsider brings a fresh perspective that is necessary for driving change. The cocoa sector is in dire need of change,” he said.
He emphasized the need for leadership that listens to and collaborates with key stakeholders in the industry.
“The sector needs a bold, concise, and decisive approach, so maybe he will bring this perspective into the sector, but we will need him to be a listening CEO,” he added.
The farmers are urging the new Acting CEO to prioritize collaboration with stakeholders to address the pressing issues plaguing the industry and restore confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Meanwhile, the Cocoa farmers are calling on the newly appointed Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to urgently implement reforms to streamline the operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The call comes in response to growing concerns over a significant rise in administrative costs at COCOBOD, set against a backdrop of declining cocoa production.
