A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through Ghana’s cocoa farming community following the reappointment of Alhaji Alhassan Bukari to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Cocoa farmers have expressed strong opposition to what they describe as the imposition of individuals who, in their view, have failed to positively impact their livelihoods.
Speaking on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Mr. Stephen Anane Boateng, President of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, voiced the frustrations of many farmers.
He criticised the recent reconstitution of the 11-member COCOBOD, stating that several of those reinstated, including Alhaji Bukari, have not contributed meaningfully to the welfare of cocoa farmers in the past.
“Cocoa-Shea is not in existence for now. Those people who didn’t bring any positive impact to cocoa farmers have been reinstated to serve on the Ghana Cocoa Board,” Mr. Anane Boateng said. “So, how are these people going to help Randy Abbey [COCOBOD CEO] help us farmers?”
He particularly questioned the credibility of Alhaji Bukari’s representation on the board, pointing out that Bukari is a shea nut farmer, not a cocoa farmer. “That man, Alhaji Alhassan, is a shea nut farmer. He is not a cocoa farmer. So this man has come again—there’s nothing he comes to do for us,” he stressed.
Mr. Anane Boateng described the reappointment as a clear imposition, warning that cocoa farmers will not sit back quietly. “We’re highly disappointed. Alhaji Alhassan Bukari is not a cocoa farmer; he’s a shea butter farmer. They are imposing him on us. We don’t want him; we’re going to kick hard against his appointment.”
BACKGROUND
An eleven-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been inaugurated at a brief but significant ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance, with a strong appeal to swiftly address the challenges facing the cocoa sector.
Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo chairs the newly constituted board which includes prominent figures such as the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (MP); Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama; Chief Executive Randy Abbey; Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah; Vincent Oppong Asamoah; Deputy Minister for Trade, Samson Ahi; Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo; Alhaji Alhassan Bukari; Nana Charles Owusu; and Eric Turkson.
However, some cocoa farmers have raised concerns about the reappointment of Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, questioning his competence and expressing disappointment over his reinstatement. According to these farmers, his previous tenure did not reflect effective representation or results, and they believe fresh leadership is needed to help transform the struggling sector.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Joseph Marfo
