Dr. Ransford Abbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has stressed on the role of farmers in Cocoa production to improve the sector, now that the COCOBOD is currently broke.
Speaking with farmers at a May Day celebration in the Nkawie District, under a familiarisation working tour, Dr. Abbey disclosed that COCOBOD was currently facing significant financial challenges because the coffers to facilitate its activities are empty.
He proposed a decision to collaborate with the Attorney General, through Parliament, to enact a law to protect the Cocoa industry against illegal mining.
He expressed the crucial role cocoa plays in Ghana’s economy, without which the economy would suffer significantly.
He stressed that cocoa was a vital component of Ghana’s economic framework, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians.
The CEO’s admission of COCOBOD’s financial struggles has raised concerns about the sector’s ability to effectively manage the cocoa industry with about 1,360 workers.
Dr. Abbey expressed the need for unity and broader consultation to develop the cocoa industry and address the current financial challenges.
He also stressed the need to be united through collaborative efforts in finding solutions to the sector’s financial woes.
He emphasised on the need for stakeholders to work together to develop the cocoa industry and ensure its sustainability.
He disclosed that with the cocoa industry playing a vital role in Ghana’s economy, it is essential to find sustainable solutions to ensure the industry’s continued growth and development.
