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Some cocoa farmers across Ghana have described the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as the Acting CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) as unconventional. However, many are optimistic that his leadership could bring much-needed transformation to the cocoa industry.
The sector is currently grappling with challenges such as declining production, smuggling, and pricing issues, which require bold and innovative solutions. Speaking to Citi Business News, Obed Owusu-Addai, a cocoa farmer and Co-Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, as well as the Co-founder of EcoCare Ghana, shared his cautious optimism about Dr. Abbey’s new role.
“We see the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as unconventional, but sometimes, an outsider brings a certain fresh perspective that is needed to drive change, and the truth is that the cocoa sector needs change,” he remarked.
Owusu-Addai emphasized the importance of leadership that engages and collaborates with stakeholders, noting, “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.”
The farmers are urging Dr. Abbey to prioritize collaboration with all stakeholders to tackle the pressing issues facing the industry and restore confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Additionally, cocoa farmers are calling on the newly appointed Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to implement urgent reforms aimed at addressing inefficiencies within COCOBOD. Their concerns stem from a noticeable increase in the organization’s administrative costs, which coincides with a significant decline in cocoa production.
Farmers hope that the combined efforts of Dr. Abbey and the Ministry will help revitalize the industry and ensure sustainable growth.