COCOBOD leadership demands technical competence, not political convenience — Paul Adom-Otchere

Headline: COCOBOD leadership demands technical competence, not political convenience — Paul Adom-Otchere

Media personality Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana, has urged political leaders to prioritise technical expertise when appointing individuals to sensitive public sector roles, citing ongoing concerns at the Ghana Cocoa Board.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 14, 2026, he said the situation at COCOBOD reinforces the risks associated with assigning politically connected individuals to technically demanding positions without the necessary professional background.

According to him, while governments may nominate trusted individuals to key roles, competence must remain the primary consideration. He stressed that certain institutions require specialised knowledge similar to appointments at the Bank of Ghana or the Attorney General’s office.

Adom-Otchere noted that appointing experienced professionals—such as seasoned treasury bankers or lawyers—could strengthen decision-making and institutional performance at COCOBOD, describing the role as one that goes beyond “common sense” and requires technical capacity.

He further pointed to leadership positions at the National Communications Authority as examples where professional expertise in engineering, law, or marketing is critical for effective administration.

While acknowledging that some public sector roles can be managed with general administrative skills, he maintained that highly technical institutions must be led by individuals with the right qualifications and experience to ensure efficiency and accountability.