Ghana’s cocoa regulator has denied allegations that money intended for cocoa farmers was used to purchase vehicles for senior officials.
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Randy Abbey, said the acquisition of about 22 vehicles was aimed at strengthening field operations rather than providing cars for management or directors.
The claims surfaced following a social media post by a former employee, who suggested that funds meant for farmers had been diverted. Dr Abbey dismissed the allegation, describing it as misleading and intended to incite farmers.
He said some of the vehicles had already been deployed to support operational needs, including farmer-focused programmes, monitoring activities, and logistics, with one presented to a top-performing farmer and another allocated to the Bunso Cocoa College.
Dr. Abbey added that improving transport and field capacity is essential to delivering extension services and maintaining closer engagement with cocoa-growing communities.
COCOBOD has come under increased public scrutiny over its spending, as stakeholders call for greater transparency and stronger support for farmers amid ongoing challenges in the sector.
Source: myjoyonline.com
