Renowned media and sports personality, Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey has been appointed by President John Mahama as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
This appointment took effect, today, Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
An appointment letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the President, Callistus Mahama noted that the decision was made in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 12(2) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984 (P.N.D.C.L. 81).
The former host of Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana will be taking over from Dr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the former CEO appointed by the previous government.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture in the country’s cocoa sector. The sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years with the paramount one being the ever-decreasing cocoa production.
The dwindling production, sector players attribute to illegal mining. The development leads to the destruction of large hectares of farmlands.
Additionally, climate change as well as smuggling continue to plague the cocoa sector. Farmers also often bemoan the price the government pays for their cocoa beans.
A major challenge, Dr. Randy Abbey faces is the over 3-decade old cocoa syndication loan. Recently, the former management struggled to obtain the syndicated loan hence deciding to abandon the arrangement – a decision that was opposed by the Finance Ministry.
With these challenges, Dr. Abbey’s appointment comes with very high expectations from the cocoa sector stakeholders. His tasks include ensuring timely payment to farmers, stabilizing the internal cocoa market, and negotiating favorable terms in the international cocoa trade.
He is also expected to spearhead efforts to enhance productivity through the adoption of modern farming techniques and technology.
Furthermore, his leadership will be crucial in driving the implementation of sustainable farming practices and strengthening Ghana’s position within the global cocoa value chain.
