COCOBOD Under Fire: Minority in Parliament Slams Rising Administrative Costs Amidst Declining Cocoa Production

The Minority in Parliament has expressed strong concerns over the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), citing a significant increase in administrative expenditures despite a decline in cocoa production. According to the caucus, cocoa production has dropped to 655,000 tonnes over the last four years, while COCOBOD’s head office expenditure has surged to approximately GH¢3.4 billion in 2023.

Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Eric Opoku, criticized COCOBOD for allegedly misusing funds meant for farmers, questioning whether cocoa was being grown in the office rather than on farms. He urged COCOBOD to prioritize farmers’ well-being and be more prudent in its expenditures.

Opoku highlighted the disparity between COCOBOD’s head office expenditure and the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, calling it “strange.” He emphasized the need for COCOBOD to focus on supporting farmers, who are facing challenges such as water scarcity, bad roads, and low producer prices.