Cocoa farmers across Ghana are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint an industry expert as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The farmers stress that the sector’s numerous challenges require a leader with an in-depth understanding of cocoa farming and its related industries to restore the sector’s vitality.
Cocoa remains a critical part of Ghana’s economy, providing employment for millions and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. However, recent years have seen mounting difficulties within the sector, including low producer prices, insufficient access to fertilizers, poor road infrastructure in farming regions, and limited availability of other essential inputs. These challenges have prompted cocoa farmers to demand leadership that prioritizes their needs.
According to Chief Farmer Fredrick Gbodzi Subriso, the next CEO must not only possess technical knowledge but also demonstrate empathy toward farmers’ concerns. “The challenges facing the cocoa sector, such as low producer prices and limited access to fertilizers, require a leader who is both knowledgeable and committed to addressing the realities of farming communities,” he said. Subriso emphasized that resolving these issues would require a CEO who has direct ties to cocoa-growing regions and a deep appreciation for the sector’s unique demands.
The Krotihene of Nsawakrom, Nana Akwasi Awuah, also echoed these sentiments, warning that appointing someone without experience in the cocoa industry could derail progress. He urged President Mahama to select a CEO who would advocate for the interests of cocoa farmers and focus on strengthening the industry from the ground up. Nana Awuah underscored the need for a leader who could collaborate effectively with stakeholders to secure better prices for farmers, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable practices.
Adding her voice to the appeal, Martha Addai, the 2016 National Best Woman Cocoa Farmer, stressed the importance of visionary leadership for the sector’s future. She highlighted the potential for the right leader to inspire the younger generation to consider careers in cocoa farming. “The sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry depends on leadership that understands our challenges and works toward sustainable growth,” she said. Addai emphasized that a CEO who actively engages with farmers would not only improve their livelihoods but also rejuvenate the sector by attracting youth participation.
Among the candidates being championed by farmers is Bennett Akantoa, who served as the Managing Director of Cocoa Marketing Company GH Limited during President Mahama’s first administration. Farmers describe Akantoa as a strong contender due to his extensive experience in the cocoa sector and his proven ability to address complex industry challenges. His tenure at the Cocoa Marketing Company was marked by efforts to streamline operations and foster stronger relationships between farmers and the broader industry.
“The cocoa sector deserves a leader who can navigate the complexities of the industry and forge stronger ties with farmers,” said a group of farmers in their appeal. They noted that Akantoa’s track record demonstrates his capability to implement policies that prioritize farmers’ welfare while advancing the industry’s competitiveness on the global stage.
As the cocoa industry faces an uncertain future, the call for competent and experienced leadership has grown louder. Farmers argue that appointing a CEO with industry knowledge and a genuine commitment to their interests is critical to addressing systemic challenges and ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.
The challenges facing the cocoa industry are not new, but they have grown more acute in recent years due to global competition and fluctuating market prices. Ghana’s cocoa farmers often find themselves at the mercy of international buyers, with little control over the pricing of their produce. This has led to widespread frustration among farmers, many of whom struggle to make ends meet despite their hard work.
Farmers believe that addressing these issues will require bold reforms, and the appointment of a capable CEO is the first step. They envision a leader who will work to improve access to fertilizers, ensure prompt payment of producer prices, and invest in better infrastructure for transporting cocoa beans. These measures, they argue, will not only improve farmers’ livelihoods but also enhance the overall efficiency of the sector.
The importance of fostering a strong relationship between COCOBOD leadership and the farming communities cannot be overstated. Farmers have expressed their desire for a CEO who will take the time to visit cocoa-growing regions, listen to their concerns, and develop policies that reflect their needs. Such engagement, they believe, will build trust and encourage greater collaboration between farmers and the board.
Furthermore, the farmers emphasize the need for long-term planning to secure the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry. This includes initiatives to combat the effects of climate change, which poses a significant threat to cocoa production. By investing in research and promoting sustainable farming practices, COCOBOD can help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure the industry’s resilience.
The farmers’ united call to action reflects the high stakes involved in the selection of the next COCOBOD CEO. Their demand for a leader who embodies both expertise and empathy underscores the importance of aligning leadership with the needs of those at the heart of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
By appointing an industry expert with a strong connection to farming communities, President Mahama has an opportunity to set the cocoa sector on a path to recovery and growth. The farmers remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the next CEO of COCOBOD will bring the leadership needed to secure a brighter future for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.
This critical juncture in the cocoa industry calls for decisive action. Farmers are optimistic that with the right leadership, Ghana can maintain its position as a leading cocoa producer on the global stage. Their appeal is not just a plea for help but a testament to their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of the industry for generations to come.
