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Cocoa Sector Revitalisation: Parliamentary Committee meets COCOBOD to address challenges

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Agric and Cocoa Affairs, paid a working visit to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to discuss pressing issues affecting the cocoa sector.

Date Created : 5/20/2025 : Story Author : Elsie Appiah-Osei/ghanadistricts.com

Led by Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the Committee engaged in an extensive review with COCOBOD's management, headed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Randy Abbey.

Among the key challenges discussed included the cocoa sector debt. A major concern hindering the growth of the industry, declining production levels and strategies to reverse this trend were explored, poor management culture where it was noted that the addressing of the issue was crucial for the sector's success as well as new legal regime towards the resetting the of the cocoa subsector for accelerated economic transformation.

The familiarisation visits which formed part of the oversight responsibilities of the Committee yielded pragmatic policy outputs and improved management practice propositions aimed at increasing Cocoa Production that would boost yields and income for farmers.

Others were the creation of job opportunities to make the sector more attractive to Ghana's young population.

Dr. Jasaw, also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East, emphasized the Committee's commitment to making agriculture more appealing to the youth.

He acknowledged COCOBOD's efforts to enhance productivity and sustainability which included initiatives like the Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program, which aimed to curb deforestation and promote reforestation.

He said: "The committee's visit demonstrates its dedication to addressing the challenges facing COCOBOD and the cocoa sector. By working together, we aim to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of Ghana's cocoa industry."

Dr. Randy Abbey, Acting CEO of COCOBOD, emphasized the importance of putting farmers at the center of policy creation and application.

He stated, "All we will bring on board will be hard work and strong leadership to deliver on the President’s vision as long as the cocoa industry is concerned."

Dr. Abbey also highlighted his commitment to working with the Committee and interacting directly with cocoa growers to understand their problems and forge solid alliances with stakeholders.