No staff has been dismissed – COCOBOD denies NDC claims

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has denied claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that about 110 of its staff have been dismissed.

At a press conference to present their ‘True State of the Nation Address’ on Wednesday, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu stated that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has dismissed some 9,739 workers since they took office.

This number, the Tamale South MP said, includes some 110 staff of COCOBOD.

However, in a statement copied to Joy News, COCOBOD said this is not true. Stressing its disappointment at the claims made by Mr Iddrisu, the statement said “COCOBOD has long tested policies that guide the employment and dismissal of its staff, but not on political motivation or colouration.

“The Board, therefore, calls on all well-meaning Ghanaians to dismiss the statement outright as it has no basis whatsoever.

Below is a copy of the full statement ;
NO COCOBOD STAFF HAS BEEN DISMISSED
The attention of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been drawn to a statement made yesterday at the press conference of the Minority in Parliament during what it calls " Trud' state of the nation address indicating that One Hundred and Ten (110) middle level staff of COCOBOD in lawful employment have been dismissed for no apparent reason.

It is unfortunate that such an assertion could not be verified by the Minority before making the statement.

The management of Ghana Cocoa Board wishes to bring to the attention of its stakeholders, staff and in fact all Ghanaians that COCOBOD has not dismissed any staff over the past two months upon the assumption of the new management and does not intend to dismiss any staff on frivolous reasons.

COCOBOD has long tested policies that guide the employment and dismissal of its staff, but not on political motivation or colouration.

The Board, therefore, calls on all well-meaning Ghanaians to dismiss the statement outright as it has no basis whatsoever.

It will, however, be recalled that Eleven (11) top officials of COCOBOD were asked to proceed on their accumulated leave. The staff involved still remain employees of COCOBOD and cannot be said to have had their appointments terminated.

The statement made by the Minority in Parliament therefore seeks to create fear and panic among staff and stakeholders.

COCOBOD wishes to inform all staff to remain calm as their employment and well-being are of paramount concern to management.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | NSA