Some cocoa farmers across the country have described Dr. Randy Abbey’s appointment as the Acting CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) as unconventional.They, however, believe his leadership could bring the transformation needed in the cocoa sub-sector.
The cocoa industry is currently confronted with challenges including diminishing production, smuggling, and pricing concerns, which stakeholders say require bold and decisive solutions.
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.
In an interview, Obed Owusu-Addai, a cocoa farmer and Co-Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, who also doubles as the Co-founder of EcoCare Ghana, expressed cautious optimism about Dr. Abbey’s appointment.
“We see the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as unconventional, but sometimes, an outsider brings a fresh perspective that is needed to drive change, and the truth is that the cocoa sector needs change,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of leadership that listens and collaborates with relevant stakeholders.
“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.
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