Former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, has drawn a stark contrast between the state of Ghana’s cocoa sector during the administration of then-President John Dramani Mahama and the subsequent period under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stating that the industry experienced significant deterioration under the latter’s leadership.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Emmanuel Congregation in Dormaa-Babianeha, Bono Region, Dr. Opuni reflected on his time at the helm of COCOBOD under President Mahama’s earlier term. He described that era as one of progress and investment in cocoa farming and sustainability.
He lamented what he termed a sharp decline in the sector over the past eight years under the Akufo-Addo administration, citing mismanagement and a lack of support for farmers as key factors contributing to the current challenges facing the cocoa industry.
“During President Mahama’s tenure, we focused on increasing productivity, supporting farmers with inputs, and expanding rural infrastructure. Unfortunately, the gains we made have been eroded in recent years. The cocoa sector is not what it used to be,” Dr. Opuni noted.
Now that President Mahama has returned to office following his victory in the 2024 general elections, Dr. Opuni expressed hope that the cocoa sector would be revitalized through renewed focus on farmer welfare, transparency, and sustainable development.
Dr. Opuni made these remarks in the context of a personal celebration of faith and gratitude, following his recent acquittal by the High Court after an eight-year-long legal battle. Joined by family, friends, and party officials, he thanked God for seeing him through what he described as a challenging and painful ordeal.
He also called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to demand accountability and integrity in governance, particularly in sectors as vital as agriculture.
“The livelihoods of millions depend on the health of this industry. We must learn from the past, correct our course, and move forward with purpose and unity,” he urged.
With President Mahama back at the helm of leadership in Ghana, many in the agricultural sector are watching closely for renewed policy direction and reform efforts to restore the country’s cocoa legacy.
