Dr. Randy Abbey, the CEO of COCOBOD, has expressed concerns about loans secured for the rehabilitation of cocoa farms affected by diseases. A loan of $263 million was obtained for the rehabilitation of 156000 hectares of cocoa farms; however, by the time he took over at COCOBOD, only 40000 hectares had been completed.
He lamented, “If we had successfully rehabilitated 156000 hectares, it would have contributed up to 200000 tonnes to our production. We took all this money, and all we have to show is just 40000 hectares completed.” Dr. Abbey addressed these issues during a meeting with farmers in Nkawie, located in the Ashanti Region. He noted that the decision to rehabilitate the farms was prompted by the infestation of diseases affecting about 40 percent of the cocoa farms.
It prompted managers of the COCOBOD at the time to rehabilitate the farms, a move applauded by the new managers. Dr. Randy Abbey revealed that GHS700 million more was invested in the project. He says the matter has since been referred to the appropriate quarters for investigations.
“There are agencies responsible for the investigation of these things. I am saddened by what has happened because it was the golden opportunity to turn things around in the sector,” he said. In ensuring cocoa production in the country is increased, the company is working to put 21000 hectares into rehabilitation.
The CEO is committed towards ensuring its success. “We have left some in the bush, and that is what I am trying to go and work on them and be able to hand them over so we can add them to the productive stock of farms we have,” he added. According to the COCOBOD, the new administration came to office to meet road contracts worth GHS 21 billion signed, with existing debts of GHS4.4 billion.
By: Nana Yaw Gyimah
