The Cocoa Research Institute Workers Union (CRIWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has petitioned the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD for the immediate removal of Dr. Francis Kwame Padi, the Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG). The petition cites a decline in research work, autocratic leadership, and low staff morale as key reasons for the call. The union alleges that research activity at CRIG has significantly declined under Dr. Padi’s leadership.
According to the petition, research proposals are now rejected without recourse to the Research Review Committee, which has become almost defunct. “Research publications are now contingent on the Executive Director’s approval, with papers from individuals he has personal issues with being rejected without scientific justification,” the petition stated.
Monthly scientific seminars, which provided a platform for knowledge sharing and peer review, have also been canceled, stifling innovation and learning. “Some departments, especially the Social Science department, has been rendered endangered because the director claim they don’t believe in their work; however, these scientists draw salaries and allowances every month, the result is that, they feel useless and have openly said on multiple occasions that they will leave the institute if they find other options. Another one is the Tissue Culture Laboratory, a unit of the Plant Bleeding department”.
The petition further accuses Dr. Padi of operating a one-man leadership style, disregarding constructive suggestions and dissenting views from staff. Social programs, such as sports, which promote staff well-being, have been indirectly stopped. “Promotions have become a tool for instilling fear and suppressing staff, with unilateral decisions made to alter promotion recommendations without consulting the Promotion Committee,” the union stated.
The petitioners further alleged that Workers’ leaders advocating for staff welfare have reportedly been subjected to abuse and threats, violating the Labour Act (Act 651), 2003. On issues of low staff morale, the union also cited the lack of sponsorship for research scientists to attend conferences and the refusal to hold staff durbars for visiting COCOBOD dignitaries.
“The current state of CRIG under Dr. Padi’s leadership is one of decline, fear, and hopelessness,” the petition stated. “Staff morale is at an all-time low, and the Institute’s reputation as a premier research institution is eroding.” Excerpts of the petition signed by Andrews Awudja, National Chairman, Chris Osei Asante, General Secretary of CRIWU stated. The union urgently calls for the removal of Dr. Padi to prevent further deterioration and to restore CRIG to its former glory.
By: Obed Kojo Ansah
