COCOBOD CEO Boahen Aidoo resigns

Joseph Boahen Aidoo has resigned as Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), effective January 7, 2025.

This was contained in a resignation letter dated January 16, 2025, addressed to President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr. Aidoo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, “I wish to express my profound gratitude to former President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, and the good people of Ghana for granting me the rare privilege to serve our beloved nation as Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board for the past eight years.”

Mr. Aidoo’s resignation follows a communication dated January 13, 2025, regarding the cessation of all boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

He noted that while his renewed appointment under the COCOBOD Law, 1984 (PNDCL 81) was set to conclude in July 2025, he chose to step aside earlier to ensure a smooth transition.

He emphasized his commitment to the cocoa sector, stating, “I remain committed to the advancement of Ghana’s cocoa sector and stand ready to support any transition processes that may be required.”

During his tenure, Mr. Aidoo faced calls for his dismissal from groups such as the United Voices for Change (U.V.C.), which, in February 2024, accused COCOBOD’s leadership of mismanagement and alleged importation of cocoa beans from neighboring countries.

Similarly, in September 2023, the Minority in Parliament demanded his resignation over alleged mismanagement, citing significant financial losses and a decline in cocoa production.

Conversely, in May 2024, the Best Cocoa Farmers Association (BeCoFA) of the Western-South Region urged President Akufo-Addo to disregard such allegations, describing Mr. Aidoo as a “hardworking, committed, dedicated, great servant of cocoa farmers and a farmer-friendly policy driver.”