The Minority in Parliament has voiced serious concerns over what they describe as the mismanagement of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), citing a troubling disparity between rising administrative costs and declining cocoa production.

The concerns come at a time when cocoa production in Ghana, a major export commodity, has witnessed a significant decline.

According to the Minority, production levels have dropped to 655,000 tonnes over the past four years.

Despite this downturn, COCOBOD’s administrative expenditure has ballooned, with the head office spending reportedly reaching an estimated GH¢3.4 billion in 2023.

Eric Opoku, the Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, highlighted this issue during a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday.

Opoku questioned the prudence of COCOBOD’s financial management, contrasting the rising expenses at the head office with the challenges faced by cocoa farmers on the ground.

“In 2023, cocoa production continued its downward trend, falling to 655,000 tonnes, yet office expenditure did not follow suit. Instead, it surged to GH¢3.4 billion,” Opoku pointed out. “According to the Auditor General, this spike is largely attributed to headquarters expenditure. It’s alarming that COCOBOD’s head office alone is spending GH¢3.4 billion, while the entire Ministry of Agriculture operates on a budget of around GH¢2.7 billion. This raises serious questions about priorities,” citinewroom.com quoted.

Opoku further criticized the disparity between the resources allocated to COCOBOD’s administrative functions and the realities faced by cocoa farmers.

“Our cocoa producers are working tirelessly under difficult conditions—they lack access to water, face poor road infrastructure, and endure many other challenges. Yet, while they struggle, COCOBOD’s office expenditure soars. Are we growing cocoa in offices or in the fields?”

The Minority’s concerns add to the growing scrutiny of COCOBOD’s operations, particularly in light of the critical role that cocoa production plays in Ghana’s economy.

As cocoa production continues to decline, the focus on how resources are being managed within COCOBOD is likely to intensify, with calls for greater accountability and a reallocation of funds to support farmers directly.

NAY/OGB

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