The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, has reaffirmed his commitment to placing farmers at the heart of the board’s financial and operational strategies.
Speaking during his first stakeholder engagement since assuming office, Dr. Abbey emphasized the need to realign COCOBOD’s financial resources to better support cocoa farmers, ensuring that their contributions to the industry are adequately recognized and rewarded.
Farmers at the Center of Decision-Making
Dr. Abbey underscored the importance of continuous dialogue with farmers, stressing that their insights and experiences must shape policies and initiatives within the cocoa sector.
“We need to listen to the farmers—they are the practitioners and have been engaged in cocoa production for decades. Every decision we take must involve their input. They must be at the center of everything we do,” he stated.
He further highlighted that improving the welfare of cocoa farmers is essential to sustaining the industry, as their livelihoods directly impact the quality and quantity of cocoa produced.
Continuity and Innovation for Sector Growth
Dr. Abbey acknowledged ongoing initiatives within COCOBOD, particularly efforts aimed at rehabilitating cocoa farms, and pledged to intensify such interventions to drive productivity.
“There are key programs that have already been initiated, such as farm rehabilitation, and we must strengthen and expand these efforts. First, we need a clear understanding of the current progress, and then we must accelerate implementation to achieve greater impact,” he explained.
He also advocated for a shift toward large-scale cocoa farming, citing the success of similar models in neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire. According to him, adopting large-scale farming will enhance sustainability, boost yields, and secure Ghana’s position as a leading cocoa producer.
Farmers Raise Key Concerns
During the engagement, the spokesperson for the Ghana Cocoa Coffee Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), Imoro Issifu Alhassan, outlined pressing challenges facing cocoa farmers, including declining production, low incomes, and the persistent threat of pests and diseases.
“You have taken office at a critical time when cocoa farmers are facing severe challenges. Urgent action is needed to address declining production, financial instability, and ongoing threats from pests and diseases,” he stated.
Alhassan also highlighted illegal mining (galamsey) as a major concern, noting its destructive impact on cocoa farmlands. He called for swift interventions to mitigate the crisis and restore growth in the sector.
“The cocoa sector is at its lowest production level in history—dropping from over one million tonnes to below 500,000 tonnes. This is alarming and requires urgent, decisive action to reverse the trend,” he warned.
