The nomination of Dr. Randy Abbey as the Acting CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been seen as unusual by certain cocoa producers nationwide.
However, they think that under his direction, the cocoa subsector might undergo the necessary change.
Current issues facing the cocoa sector include declining production, smuggling, and pricing issues, all of which stakeholders need audacious and forceful responses.
Cocoa grower Obed Owusu-Addai, co-founder of EcoCare Ghana and co-convener of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, spoke cautiously optimistically about Dr. Abbey’s selection in an interview with Citi Business News.
“We see the appointment of Dr Randy Abbey as unconventional, but sometimes, an outsider brings a certain fresh perspective that is needed to drive change, and the truth is that the cocoa sector needs change,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of leadership that listens and collaborates with relevant stakeholders.
“The sector needs a bold, concise, and decisive approach, so maybe he will bring this perspective into the sector, but we will need him to be a listening CEO,” he added.
In order to resolve the urgent problems facing the business and rebuild trust in Ghana’s cocoa sector, the farmers are pleading with the new Acting CEO to prioritise cooperation with stakeholders.
In the meantime, cocoa producers are urging Eric Opoku, the recently appointed Minister for Food and Agriculture, to swiftly enact changes to improve the Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) functioning.
Concerns over a sharp increase in COCOBOD’s administrative expenses and a reduction in cocoa production have prompted the call.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
