Randy Abbey Exhibiting Incompetence at COCOBOD but Blaming Past Gov’t for Crisis – Clement Opoku Gyamfi Esq
Former Amansie South DCE Clement Opoku Gyamfi criticizes COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey for mismanaging the cocoa board
- COCOBOD leadership under fire
- Blaming past government criticized
- Call for serious management and accountability
Hon. Clement Opoku Gyamfi, former District Chief Executive for Amansie South, has criticized the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), accusing CEO Dr. Ranndy Abbey of incompetence and politicizing the ongoing challenges in the cocoa industry.
Speaking on Lawson TV Ghana’s Se Sen Morning Show on Tuesday, February 17, 2028, Clement Opoku Gyamfi described the recent salary reductions for COCOBOD executives and senior staff as a consequence of poor leadership rather than unavoidable economic pressures.
COCOBOD salary cuts and cocoa prices
The Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) recently announced new farmgate prices for cocoa for the 2025/2026 crop season, setting a tonne at GH¢41,392 and a 64-kilogram bag at GH¢2,587.
In response to ongoing liquidity pressures, COCOBOD’s Executive Management and Senior Staff agreed to salary reductions 20% for executives and 10% for senior staff effective immediately for the remainder of the crop year.
Leadership, not legacy, blamed
According to Clement Opoku Gyamfi, the COCOBOD crisis stems from leadership failures, not past government policies.
“One year after assuming office, you are still blaming the previous government. Let’s be serious. Is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power now?,” he asked.
He further argued that Dr. Abbey is more of a “spending officer” than a leader capable of steering the cocoa industry.
“You don’t need a soothsayer, a PhD holder, or an expert to see that Randy Abbey is mismanaging COCOBOD. Of the people working for COCOBOD to help it thrive, Dr. Randy Abbey is not among them,” he added.
Politics should not overshadow management
Hon. Opoku Gyamfi cautioned against politicizing operational challenges in the cocoa sector.
“The promises made by the NDC during the 2024 election campaign cannot be used as an excuse for poor management today. If you cannot manage the industry, own up to it instead of shifting blame,” he said.
