Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has resigned from his position, effective January 7, 2025. His resignation follows a directive issued on January 13, 2025, announcing the cessation of all boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
In his heartfelt resignation letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Aidoo expressed profound gratitude for the privilege of serving as Chief Executive, a role he held since 2017 under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He emphasized the honor of leading Ghana’s cocoa sector, describing the experience as one of immense pride.
During his tenure, Ghana’s cocoa production reached a record-breaking 1,033,586 metric tonnes during the 2020/2021 crop season. This achievement remains one of the most significant milestones in the nation’s cocoa history, solidifying its position as a leader in global cocoa production.
Under his leadership, policies such as the Living Income Differential (LID) were implemented to improve farmer incomes by securing an additional $400 per tonne for cocoa sold. Efforts to boost productivity included the introduction of mass pruning, hand pollination, and the distribution of modern tools through the Productivity Enhancement Programs (PEPs).
COCOBOD also adopted a zero-borrowing financing model, saving the institution approximately $150 million in loan interest, a move that demonstrated fiscal discipline and sustainability.
Mr. Aidoo’s tenure was not without challenges. The Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) affected about 17% of Ghana’s cocoa tree stock, prompting nationwide rehabilitation efforts to restore productivity. Climate change and illegal mining activities further complicated production efforts, adding pressure to the industry.
COCOBOD remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, regulating and promoting the cocoa sector, which supports millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to the national GDP. The resignation of its chief executive marks a significant shift for the institution as the government undertakes reforms in State-Owned Enterprises.
