The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey has emphasised his administration’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with chiefs and community leaders to drive meaningful reforms in the cocoa sector.
Dr. Abbey made this known during a courtesy call on the Gbese Mantse, Dr. Nii Ayi Bonte II at his palace. The two engaged in discussions on shared strategies to revitalize cocoa production.
The COCOBOD Chief Executive explained that since the Gbese Mantse, is the customary landlord of COCOBOD, it is proper that the board confers with him for the forward march of the board.
Dr. Abbey acknowledged the financial challenges currently facing COCOBOD but reassured stakeholders that proactive measures are underway to restore production and strengthen the resilience of the cocoa sector.
He stated that he had put together a team of highly competent professionals to lead his management in revitalising the struggling cocoa sector. Rather than dwelling on its challenges, he emphasised the need for a forward-thinking approach to drive sustainable progress.
“We recognise our financial challenges, but we are working tirelessly to revive our production levels so that we can have more to support the community’s development projects,” he said.
He expressed optimism about the future, underscoring a shared vision of sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for cocoa farmers to ensure a sustainable cocoa industry.
The COCOBOD Chief Executive also acknowledged the Gbese Mantse’s track record over the years which has earned him respect in several fields including sports.
Dr. Nii Ayi Bonte II recounted with pride, his enduring relationship with the COCOBOD Chief Executive, highlighting how their long-standing connection has enabled them to collaborate effectively in overcoming challenges in their respective fields.
He pledged to leverage his strong ties with COCOBOD to drive the growth of the cocoa sector by offering strategic recommendations that support and enhance the board’s policies. “Our deep-rooted relationship with COCOBOD has always been a pillar of strength for our people,” he said.
Nii Ayi Abonte II acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting the Ga community, ranging from infrastructural to socioeconomic issues and urged COCOBOD to consider the Ga State within its corporate social responsibility programmes.
Meanwhile, Dr Abbey was accompanied by his management and the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy & Quality Control.
