The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has asserted that the governing party handed over the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in a stronger condition than when it assumed responsibility. Kodua made the statement in response to recent criticism from the opposition, which has accused the government of mismanaging the cocoa sector and harming the interests of farmers.
Speaking at a media event in Accra, Kodua argued that when the NPP came into office, COCOBOD’s financial and operational systems were unstable, and that the party put in place reforms aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity and sustainability. He said that the changes have helped build a more resilient cocoa sector and positioned COCOBOD to better serve farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.
According to Kodua, recent debates about pricing and sector performance overlook progress that was made under the NPP’s leadership. He maintained that policies introduced by his party helped improve efficiency in revenue management, restructured debt and bolstered COCOBOD’s ability to operate in a challenging global market. He added that critics should take these gains into account before drawing conclusions about the Board’s current state.
The NPP stalwart also dismissed claims from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the government had weakened the cocoa sector. Instead, Kodua said the party has consistently worked to protect and support farmers while navigating external pressures such as fluctuating commodity prices and financing issues. He argued that the reforms were essential for ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.
Kodua acknowledged that some challenges remain, including calls for greater transparency and farmer welfare, but he insisted that progress has been made. He urged stakeholders to focus on constructive solutions rather than politicising issues that affect the livelihoods of cocoa growers, who are a backbone of Ghana’s economy.
Political analysts say the debate over COCOBOD reflects broader disagreements between the major political parties over economic policy, rural development and agricultural financing. The cocoa sector, which contributes significantly to national export earnings and employment, often becomes a focal point for these discussions.
Kodua’s remarks are part of the NPP’s broader defence of its performance in government, with party officials highlighting achievements in various sectors as they face scrutiny ahead of upcoming political contests. He reiterated his call for unity among stakeholders and emphasised that supporting cocoa farmers and the sector as a whole is in the national interest.
