Cocoa Farmers Call on Mahama to Reform Entire COCOBOD, Not Just Remove CEO

The National Cocoa Farmers Association of Ghana (COFAG) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to implement comprehensive reforms at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), insisting that addressing challenges in the sector requires more than just the removal of its Chief Executive Officer.

Cocoa farmers have been vocal about persistent issues affecting the sector, including payment delays, financing shortfalls, and operational hurdles that have undermined productivity and farmer confidence. Their appeal follows ongoing discussions about leadership changes at COCOBOD, with some stakeholders calling for the removal of Chief Executive Randy Abbey due to perceived inefficiencies.

However, farmers say that merely changing leadership will not resolve deep-seated structural problems that have long impacted the cocoa value chain. Representatives of COFAG argue that a “clean the entire house” approach is necessary, one that addresses systemic challenges throughout the institution rather than focusing only on top-level personnel changes.

In statements released during a recent meeting, association leaders emphasized that cocoa farmers continue to face financial pressure due to delayed payments and the mismatch between production costs and returns. Farmers also pointed out that operational bottlenecks and logistical issues have made it difficult to sustain productivity and plan for future planting seasons.

COFAG asserts that comprehensive reforms should include improved financing mechanisms, transparent pricing structures, and stronger support services for farmers. They believe such changes would help stabilize the sector, enhance farmer incomes, and restore confidence among producers who feel marginalized by current administrative practices.

The appeals come at a time when the government and COCOBOD are under scrutiny for their handling of cocoa sector challenges. While leadership changes can signal a commitment to reform, farmers and industry observers alike say that addressing foundational weaknesses requires wider institutional restructuring.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important export crops, earning critical foreign exchange and supporting millions of rural livelihoods. As such, COFAG’s calls for reform underscore the urgency of ensuring that the sector functions effectively for the benefit of producers and the national economy.

President Mahama is expected to consider the farmers’ demands alongside broader policy options as the government works on strategies to strengthen the cocoa industry. The outcome of this push for reform could shape the future direction of cocoa governance and production in Ghana.

Source: Thepressradio.com