The Minority Party in Parliament is calling for the immediate resignation of Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). They claim that Aidoo’s management of the cocoa sector has been detrimental to cocoa farmers and argue that he is no longer suitable for the CEO role.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, expressed their concerns during a press briefing in the Ashanti Region. He pointed out that despite a 68 percent increase in the producer price of cocoa, the cocoa sector is facing significant challenges, including a decline in cocoa production to the lowest levels in the last fifteen years and substantial losses recorded since 2017. Last year alone, COCOBOD reported a loss of GH¢2.4 billion.
The Minority accuses Aidoo of incompetence and corruption, alleging that he has failed to implement necessary reforms to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, they criticize the government for increasing the price of a bag of cocoa to GHC1,300, which they deem insufficient. According to the Minority, cocoa farmers should receive a minimum of GHC2,500 per bag.
Eric Opoku, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, expressed disappointment over the low price offered to cocoa farmers. He emphasized that this season presents an opportunity for cocoa farmers to benefit more substantially from their produce, and he criticized the government for offering them what he described as “peanuts.”
