Blows at CMC as Randy Abbey clashes with Mahama’s appointee

A simmering power struggle at the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) has erupted into a full-blown confrontation between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Chief Executive Officer, Randy Abbey, and the presidency, following the controversial appointment of a new Managing Director by President John Dramani Mahama.

At the centre of the controversy is Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, who was officially appointed by the President to take over leadership at CMC—an entity under COCOBOD tasked with marketing Ghana’s cocoa on the international market.

Kofi Dogbey’s appointment, sanctioned by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, has sparked an intense backlash from Randy Abbey, who reportedly challenged the move on grounds of procedural irregularity and political intrusion.

Sources within CMC indicate that prior to Dogbey’s appointment, Dr. Abbey had attempted—alongside former CMC Managing Directors Vincent Okyere Akomeah and Joe Forson—to elevate Frederick Amponsah-Doku, from Deputy MD to substantive Managing Director.

The elevation, however, was reportedly executed without the knowledge or consent of the presidency, leading to friction between the Jubilee House and COCOBOD Chief Executive.

Amponsah-Doku’s sudden ascension caused ripples at CMC.

His return to the top office, even temporarily, triggered internal resistance and escalated when Dogbey arrived at CMC with his official appointment letter on Wednesday, May 7.

Despite the legitimacy of Dogbey’s appointment, Amponsah-Doku refused to vacate his office and reportedly called Dr. Abbey, who advised him not to step down until COCOBOD was formally engaged in the decision-making process.

This act of defiance deepened the standoff, as the Presidency maintained that CMC falls under the executive’s jurisdiction, giving the President authority to appoint its head.

In a further twist, Abbey’s decision to appoint Daniel Kofi Amoateng as Deputy MD in charge of operations has aggravated tensions within government circles, particularly among NDC loyalists who view the appointments as a coordinated effort to stack the cocoa sector with opposition-aligned individuals.
The discontent reached a crescendo on Thursday when Amponsah-Doku showed up at the office claiming he was still in charge.

He was allegedly ejected by irate NDC-affiliated staff who insisted that Dogbey’s appointment must be honoured.
Meanwhile, Amponsah-Doku is reportedly lobbying behind the scenes to reclaim his position.
Insider sources say he has promised some senior staff members a swift return to office by Monday, May 12, citing ongoing efforts with unnamed influential figures close to the presidency.

“He said he’s meeting a woman of immense influence this weekend and is confident that she will ensure his return,” a source disclosed.

The impasse at CMC now threatens to undermine confidence in the governance of Ghana’s vital cocoa sector.

While the President appears determined to assert his authority, Dr. Abbey’s moves suggest a parallel power centre emerging within COCOBOD, setting the stage for a deeper clash that could spill into broader political ramifications.

As the deadline for Amponsah-Doku’s speculated return nears, all eyes are now on the Jubilee House to see whether President Mahama will reinforce his decision—or whether internal fractures within the NDC administration will begin to surface.