Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has clarified that while he holds a supervisory role over the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the responsibility for addressing its significant debt burden lies with the board’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randy Abbey.
“I am their supervisor, but that doesn’t mean I should pay their debt. Randy Abbey must find the money and pay. Unfortunately, this is what the former administration left for him,” Dr. Forson stated on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
His comments come amid growing concerns over COCOBOD’s financial challenges, particularly its massive GH¢32 billion debt, which has raised questions about the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector and the government’s role in supporting the industry.
Established in 1947, COCOBOD regulates the production, processing, and marketing of cocoa, shea nuts, and coffee in Ghana.
Its core mandate includes setting producer prices to ensure fair and stable incomes for cocoa farmers while maintaining Ghana’s global reputation for producing high-quality cocoa.
Beyond COCOBOD’s financial troubles, Dr. Forson also addressed concerns about the government’s employment policy.
He dismissed claims of a freeze on civil and public sector employment, describing such reports as inaccurate.
ID/MA
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