Cocoa Farmers React to Randy Abbey’s Appointment as COCOBOD CEO

Cocoa farmers across Ghana have described the appointment of Dr. Randy Abbey as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) as unconventional but potentially transformative for the sector.

While acknowledging the challenges facing the cocoa industry—such as declining production, smuggling, and pricing concerns—many farmers believe Dr. Abbey’s leadership could bring the fresh perspective needed to drive change.

Obed Owusu-Addai, a cocoa farmer and Co-Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, expressed cautious optimism during an interview with Citi Business News.

“We see Dr. Abbey’s appointment as unconventional, but sometimes, an outsider offers the fresh perspective required to initiate reform. The cocoa sector urgently needs change,” Owusu-Addai said.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and active listening in leadership.

“The sector needs bold, concise, and decisive strategies. Perhaps Dr. Abbey will bring this, but he must also be a listening CEO,” he added.

Farmers are urging the new Acting CEO to work closely with stakeholders to address the sector’s pressing issues and restore confidence in Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Additionally, they have called on Eric Opoku, the newly appointed Minister for Food and Agriculture, to implement critical reforms to streamline COCOBOD’s operations. This follows rising concerns over escalating administrative costs amidst declining cocoa production.

The farmers remain hopeful that these appointments will lead to much-needed progress in Ghana’s cocoa sector.