Dr. Ransford Abbey, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has expressed strong disapproval of the Board’s historical focus on road construction at the expense of its primary responsibilities.
During a duty tour in the Central Cocoa Region, Dr. Abbey clarified that road construction falls under the Ministry of Roads and Highways, not COCOBOD.
According to Dr. Abbey, COCOBOD’s extensive involvement in road projects has contributed significantly to its current financial challenges, including a GH¢21 billion debt from contracts awarded under the Cocoa Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP II).
He emphasized that COCOBOD’s priority should be supporting cocoa farmers and improving their livelihoods.
Dr. Abbey called on farmers to help the government turn COCOBOD’s fortunes around, particularly in the upcoming 2025/2026 Crop Season.
He reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to its core mandate, including providing funds for cocoa purchases, supplying inputs, and ensuring quality.
