The Minority in Parliament is calling for the immediate resignation of Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The Minority alleges that Aidoo has mismanaged the cocoa sector and has worsened the plight of cocoa farmers, making him unfit to continue serving as CEO.
Speaking to journalists in the Ashanti Region, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed concern over the state of the cocoa sector. He cited declining cocoa production levels and significant financial losses within COCOBOD, as reported in the organization’s own audit reports. Dr. Forson emphasized that despite these challenges, Aidoo remains in office.
The Minority has accused Aidoo of incompetence and corruption, claiming that he has failed to implement necessary reforms to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, they have criticized the government for allegedly shortchanging cocoa farmers by increasing the price of a bag of cocoa to GHC1,300.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, Eric Opoku, joined the criticism, describing the price increase as insufficient. Opoku expressed concern that cocoa farmers are not benefiting adequately from their produce despite favorable conditions this season.
The demand for Aidoo’s resignation and the ongoing debate surrounding cocoa prices highlight the challenges faced by Ghana’s cocoa sector and the calls for reforms to support cocoa farmers.