Minority Calls for Removal of Dr Randy Abbey as COCOBOD Boss
The Minority in Parliament has urged President John Dramani Mahama to relieve Dr. Randy Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), of his duties, citing a worsening situation in the cocoa industry.
The opposition group warned that the recent cut in the cocoa producer price could have serious repercussions for farmers and their families, potentially affecting the livelihoods of more than one million cocoa growers across the country.
Speaking to the press in Accra on Thursday, February 12, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, criticised the government’s decision, describing it as unjust and untimely.
“This move imposes an additional strain on our cocoa farmers, who are already contending with rising production costs,” he said. “The Minority will not stand by silently, and we are ready to support farmers should they decide to take action against the reduction in the producer price.”
The remarks come in the wake of the government’s declaration of a new cocoa producer price of GH¢41,392 per tonne, or GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remaining period of the 2025/2026 crop season. The adjustment took effect on Thursday, February 12.
The revised rate marks a significant decline from the original producer price of GH¢51,660 per tonne set at the start of the season, representing a reduction of roughly 28.6 percent.
Earlier, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson explained that the revision was necessary due to fluctuations in global cocoa market conditions. He added that the measure aims to stabilise the sector, restore confidence among stakeholders, and ensure cocoa farmers receive timely payments.
Despite the government’s rationale, the Minority maintains that the cut undermines farmers’ welfare and signals systemic weaknesses in COCOBOD’s leadership, reinforcing calls for urgent reforms in the governance of the cocoa industry.
