Adongo Demands Accountability from Akufo-Addo Appointees Over Cocoa Sector Mismanagement

The Majority Caucus in Parliament has strongly criticised officials appointed under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, accusing them of mishandling the cocoa sector and worsening the industry’s current challenges.

The accusations come as the government of President John Dramani Mahama rolls out measures aimed at restoring stability and boosting cocoa production.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, February 19, Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, alleged that key officials under the previous administration failed to properly manage essential supplies at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

According to him, COCOBOD had a stock of 286,000 bales of jute sacks at the ports but cleared only 91,000, leaving a significant quantity uncleared. He further claimed that shortly before leaving office, the outgoing administration approved a GH¢48 million payment to a supplier for the procurement of an additional 80,000 bales of jute sacks.

Mr. Adongo described these actions as irresponsible and detrimental to the cocoa sector. He argued that the alleged mismanagement deprived the government of vital resources that could have been used to support cocoa farmers more effectively.

He insisted that those responsible must be held accountable, maintaining that their decisions contributed to the current difficulties confronting the cocoa industry. Adongo added that repeated public claims by former officials cannot erase what he believes were serious lapses in judgment and leadership.