The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has officially inaugurated management committees for four of its key divisions and subsidiaries — the Seed Production Division (SPD), Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), and Cocoa Clinic — in a decisive move aimed at strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing accountability across the institution.
The inauguration ceremony marks a significant milestone in COCOBOD’s renewed efforts to align its management structures with its strategic objectives under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which emphasizes institutional reform, innovation, and effective service delivery.
Delivering his inaugural address, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, underscored the crucial roles these divisions and subsidiaries play in fulfilling the organisation’s mandate to sustain Ghana’s global leadership in cocoa production and to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Dr. Abbey explained that the establishment of these management committees was designed to ensure that COCOBOD operates with greater efficiency, transparency, and innovation. He urged members to discharge their responsibilities diligently and to approach their work with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication.
“No matter how challenging the task is, we have a responsibility to bring our best together to pool the necessary resources that we can to ensure that we are able to turn things around,” Dr. Abbey stated.
He encouraged the newly inaugurated committees to explore internal mechanisms and resources to drive innovation and overcome operational challenges, rather than depending solely on external financial assistance.
“There are many things we can change about this organisation which will not require external funding. If we looked deeply enough, we would identify that the bottlenecks offer opportunities for solutions,” he noted, urging the committees to take proactive and creative approaches to problem-solving.
Dr. Abbey further highlighted that the committees’ work will be instrumental in repositioning COCOBOD to deliver more effectively on its core functions — from improving seed production and advancing scientific research to ensuring the health and well-being of cocoa farmers and staff.
He reaffirmed management’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for innovation and performance-based governance within all divisions of the institution, adding that the Reset Agenda offers a renewed call for transformational leadership and prudent management practices.
The chairpersons of the four management committees expressed their profound appreciation to COCOBOD’s leadership for the confidence reposed in them. They pledged to work collaboratively to achieve the organisation’s goals and to ensure that their respective divisions operate efficiently and transparently.
The newly appointed chairpersons are:
- Professor Gerald A.B. Yiran – Chairperson, Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED)
- Professor Austin Dziwornu Ablo – Chairperson, Seed Production Division (SPD)
- Professor Irene Susana Egyir – Chairperson, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)
- Dr. Randy Abbey – Chairperson, Cocoa Clinic
Each of these distinguished personalities brings to the role a wealth of experience, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the cocoa industry. They are expected to provide strategic guidance and leadership to their respective committees, ensuring alignment with COCOBOD’s long-term vision.
Their collective task will involve supporting sustainable cocoa production, improving seed quality, advancing scientific research and innovation, enhancing health services for cocoa communities, and ensuring that the operations of COCOBOD reflect modern standards of efficiency and accountability.
The event also served as an opportunity to reaffirm COCOBOD’s long-standing commitment to Ghana’s cocoa sector — a vital pillar of the national economy. Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s top export commodities, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and providing livelihoods to millions of smallholder farmers.
As Ghana faces evolving global market dynamics, environmental challenges, and changing consumer preferences, COCOBOD’s restructuring and governance reforms are seen as timely interventions to position the organisation for greater resilience and growth.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
COCOBOD INAUGURATES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has inaugurated management committees for four of its divisions and subsidiaries — the Seed Production Division (SPD), Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), and Cocoa Clinic — as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional efficiency.
The initiative forms part of COCOBOD’s strategy to reinforce its operational structures, improve accountability, and promote innovation across all departments. The committees will play a central role in ensuring the effective implementation of COCOBOD’s policies and programs under the direction of the Chief Executive, Dr. Randy Abbey.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Abbey emphasized that the establishment of the committees reflects COCOBOD’s commitment to good corporate governance and operational excellence. He called on members to dedicate themselves fully to their mandates and to work in harmony towards achieving the organisation’s strategic goals.
“The success of our institution depends on our ability to think differently, act boldly, and utilize the resources available to us. We must rely on our creativity and determination to solve problems, not just external assistance,” Dr. Abbey said.
He further noted that the committees will serve as vital pillars in ensuring that COCOBOD continues to deliver high-quality services to cocoa farmers and other stakeholders within the cocoa value chain.
The chairpersons of the newly inaugurated committees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and innovation.
The appointed chairpersons are:
- Professor Gerald A.B. Yiran – Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED)
- Professor Austin Dziwornu Ablo – Seed Production Division (SPD)
- Professor Irene Susana Egyir – Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)
- Dr. Randy Abbey – Cocoa Clinic
COCOBOD believes that through the combined expertise and leadership of these individuals, the institution will strengthen its internal systems, boost productivity, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Issued by:
Public Affairs Department
Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)
Accra, Ghana
