COCOBOD Reportedly Buys 15 Computer Keyboards At Ghs4,500 Each To Increase Productivity Of Board Members

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) recently made headlines with its procurement of 15 keyboards at a price of Ghs 4,500 each, totaling Ghs 67,500. This move, aimed at enhancing board members’ productivity and comfort, comes amidst financial difficulties faced by COCOBOD.

Last year, COCOBOD faced challenges with payment defaults on maturities of its 182-day bill. To manage its financial situation, COCOBOD rolled over outstanding securities of Ghs 940 million in face value and later restructured debts totaling Ghs 7.93 billion.

Critics have raised concerns about COCOBOD’s spending on non-essential items, such as the procurement of expensive keyboards, while facing financial strain. The management’s decision to blame the reduction in Ghana’s cocoa production on the Ghanaian weather, which has led to almost a two-thirds decrease in production from the highest yield registered, has also been met with skepticism.

The procurement of the keyboards, each costing Ghs 4,500, has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the necessity and cost-effectiveness of such purchases during a period of financial difficulty.