Cocoa farmers in Ghana have accused some officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of secretly taking part in private cocoa buying activities, saying the practice is damaging trust in the cocoa sector and creating unfair competition.
The concerns were raised by the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA) during the signing of a new partnership agreement with the Produce Buying Company (PBC).
The partnership is aimed at helping the struggling cocoa-buying company recover and also improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Speaking on behalf of the association, GNACOFA President Stephenson Anane Boateng said the cocoa industry is already facing several major problems, including cocoa smuggling, illegal mining on cocoa farms, and delays in payments to farmers.
“There are concerns involving public officials, particularly within COCOBOD, engaging in private buying operations that undermine confidence in the sector,” he stated.
According to the association, these alleged activities are reducing transparency in Ghana’s cocoa business and creating unfair conditions for genuine cocoa buyers and farmers.
“These issues continue to distort Ghana’s cocoa business, disadvantage genuine cocoa farmers, and create opportunities for financial irregularities,” the group stressed.
The concerns come at a difficult time for Ghana’s cocoa sector, which is struggling with falling cocoa production, financial difficulties, and growing pressure on Licensed Buying Companies.
These challenges continue to affect the incomes of farmers and the smooth running of the industry.
GNACOFA said its partnership with PBC is meant to help rebuild trust in the cocoa sector and strengthen PBC’s role as a reliable company in the industry.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone towards ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa business while supporting the revival and restoration of PBC as a strong institution within the cocoa sector,” the Association noted.
