The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has come under fresh criticism following revelations that more than ten of its directors have been sidelined and ask
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has come under fresh criticism following revelations that more than ten of its directors have been sidelined and asked to remain at home, yet continue to draw full salaries and benefits.
The allegation was made by Fiifi Boafo, former Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
According to Boafo, these directors, many of whom have served the state institution for years, were relieved of their duties after the change of government and the coming into office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. NDC appointed former TV host. Randy Abbey as Chief Executive of COCOBOD allegedly through Lordina Mahama lobbying.
Boafo argued that despite being stripped of their responsibilities, they are still being paid at the expense of the taxpayer.
Inefficiency and Wasted Resources
He described the development as a misuse of public funds and an affront to efficiency, noting that sidelining senior officers with vast institutional knowledge and experience undermines COCOBOD’s operations.
“It is a statement of fact that there are a number of directors at COCOBOD who are now rendered almost useless, but they are drawing a salary,” he said. “It is through no fault of those directors that they are not contributing anything significant to the board, but they are being paid.”
He emphasized that the decision to keep the affected directors idle not only burdens the board financially but also deprives the cocoa sector of critical expertise at a time when the industry faces mounting challenges, including declining yields, smuggling threats, and fluctuating global cocoa prices.
A Pattern in Political Appointments
The sidelining of senior public officials after changes in government has been a recurring issue in the governance.
Analysts argue that successive administrations often replace experienced technocrats with political appointees, sidelining long-serving professionals who possess valuable institutional memory.
At COCOBOD, such transitions have historically been politically charged. In past years, changes in leadership have often triggered reshuffles, with many professionals reassigned, retired, or simply asked to step aside.
Fifi Boafo noted that this pattern undermines the stability and continuity needed for effective management of Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains the backbone of the economy.
Missed Opportunity Amid Cocoa Sector Woes
Boafo further argued that sidelining directors at a time when the cocoa sector is struggling amounts to a missed opportunity to harness technical expertise.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is currently grappling with declining production levels, the threat of illegal smuggling into neighbouring countries, and climate change effects.
“To ask these directors who have worked with the organisation for many years… and have been asked to stay at home just because there is a new government in place — I think that is a cost to the board, and it also affects how effective and efficient the board operates,” Boafo stressed.
Silence from COCOBOD
When pressed on the number of directors affected, Boafo stated: “I will have to count but they are more than 10.” However, as of now, COCOBOD has not issued any official statement to confirm or deny the claims.
The matter has stirred public debate, with calls for the government to clarify the situation and justify the rationale behind paying full salaries to directors who have effectively been removed from active duty.
COMMENTS