Dr. Ransford Abbey, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), marked a significant milestone in his tenure by hosting his first interactive session with staff across the country on Monday.
The session, held at Cocoa House in Accra and connected virtually via Zoom to regional offices in Tema and other areas, served as a platform for open dialogue about the current state of COCOBOD and the broader cocoa industry.
During the interactive durbar, Dr. Abbey provided a candid update on the challenges currently facing the cocoa industry, including declining production, fluctuating global prices, and logistical hurdles.
Acknowledging the struggles, he outlined a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at revitalising the industry and positioning it for long-term sustainability and growth.
“Revitalising the cocoa industry is not an overnight task; it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Our industry is facing significant challenges, but with transparency, collaboration, and a clear vision, we can turn things around,” Dr. Abbey stated during the session.
The Chief Executive emphasized the importance of a collective approach to tackling these challenges.
He unveiled a roadmap for recovery, which includes enhancing productivity through better farming practices, modernising the supply chain, increasing farmer support, and fostering greater international partnerships. He stressed the need for innovation in both local farming techniques and the marketing of cocoa products to meet growing global demands.
“This session is just the beginning of our journey toward a better future for the cocoa industry. We must engage, collaborate, and communicate effectively across all levels of COCOBOD, and work hand-in-hand with our farmers and partners,” Dr. Abbey added.
Dr. Abbey’s interactive session marks the start of a series of engagements aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within COCOBOD. It is also part of his broader commitment to providing clear and consistent communication to all stakeholders as the industry navigates a path towards recovery.
Through these engagements, Dr. Abbey is setting the tone for his leadership, focusing on transparency, openness, and inclusion as COCOBOD embarks on its mission to restore Ghana’s cocoa industry to its former glory.
The session was well-received by COCOBOD staff, who expressed optimism about the future of the industry, especially with the leadership’s emphasis on collaboration and long-term planning. As the government continues to invest in the sector, the staff remains hopeful that the strategic plan unveiled by Dr. Abbey will bring tangible improvements to the cocoa industry in the coming years.
This initiative not only demonstrates Dr. Abbey’s leadership style but also signals a new era of partnership and dialogue within COCOBOD, aimed at ensuring the continued success and growth of one of Ghana’s most valuable industries.
