Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has launched a strong critique of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), claiming it has become a burden on cocoa farmers rather than a source of support.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 23, Mr Bentil recalled the history of cocoa revenues being used for strategic national projects, citing the establishment of the University of Ghana.
“In fact, the building of the University of Ghana, if you know the history of it, came from a simple idea: let’s take a bit of money from each cocoa bag,” he explained. “That’s why we have that institution there. That’s why it’s named Akuafo Hall.”
He contrasted that vision with what he described as the current mismanagement of cocoa funds, accusing Accra-based elites of exploiting the system at the expense of struggling farmers.
“People sitting in Accra who can’t tell the difference between a cocoa tree are the ones benefiting,” he said. “It does not make sense to take the money of poor, hardworking farmers and give it to Accra-based, suit-wearing people sitting in air-conditioned offices.”
Mr Bentil particularly criticised COCOBOD’s size and role, arguing that the institution now functions mainly to sustain a bloated bureaucracy.
“Look at the number of people working in COCOBOD, and for these people not to be helping the farmers but essentially sapping them and sapping them dry,” he argued.
He further suggested that dismantling the institution could actually improve Ghana’s economy and empower farmers.
“If we collapse COCOBOD today, Ghana’s economy will be better, and farmers will be better. They can organise themselves absolutely,” he concluded.
