Mahama blames COCOBOD’s declining cocoa production on mismanagement

President John Mahama has criticized the previous administration's management of Ghana's cocoa sector. He blames mismanagement and poor decisions for the decline in production.

Mahama is concerned about rising employment at COCOBOD despite falling cocoa production. He called this situation counterproductive. "Production has declined, yet COCOBOD’s staff numbers have increased," he said. In business, workforce adjustments are made when production decreases.

During a visit from the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association, Mahama noted that producer prices for cocoa remained stagnant in the past four years. This was despite currency depreciation, which worsened conditions for farmers.

He assured stakeholders that his government aims to reverse this trend. "This year will be a year of correction," he stated, promising to restore the industry’s strength.

Mahama also mentioned COCOBOD's current debt of GH₵3.2 billion. He pointed out that GH₵9 million must be paid by September. This financial burden prevents funds from reaching cocoa farmers since money is used to service debts instead of supporting production.