Ghana Cocoa Board appoints Ransford Anertey Abbey acting CEO

GHANA – Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) by President John Dramani Mahama. 

The announcement, detailed in a letter dated January 21, 2025, adheres to Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 12(2) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984 (P.N.D.C.L. 81).

The letter, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, specifies that Dr. Abbey’s appointment is effective immediately. 

He will serve in this capacity pending formal advice from the COCOBOD Board in consultation with the Public Services Commission. President Mahama extended his congratulations, expressing confidence in Dr. Abbey’s ability to lead the institution.

Transition amid industry struggles

Dr. Abbey assumes leadership at a critical juncture for Ghana’s cocoa industry. The sector, a vital contributor to national revenue and the livelihoods of millions of farmers, is grappling with declining production levels. 

COCOBOD recently reported the lowest cocoa production in two decades, with figures ranging between 430,000 and 530,000 metric tonnes.

Eric Opoku, Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture, highlighted the urgency of the situation during a recent parliamentary session. 

He noted the financial strain caused by the production slump, which led to Ghana defaulting on an US$800 million syndicated loan intended for purchasing 850,000 tonnes of cocoa. The loan has been rolled over to 2025, albeit with a reduced target of 374,000 tonnes.

A multifaceted leader

Dr. Abbey, widely known in media and sports circles as Randy Abbey, brings a diverse background to his new role. 

A seasoned journalist, he hosted Metro TV’s “Good Morning Ghana” for over two decades, a program renowned for its in-depth discussions on national issues. 

Abbey stepped down from the show on January 8, 2025, following the December 7 Presidential election, marking the end of an era in Ghanaian broadcasting.

In addition to his media contributions, Abbey is a prominent figure in Ghanaian football. He serves as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association and is the President of Kpando Hearts of Lions Football Club.

His work in sports and media earned him the Order of the Volta and a Grand Medal in 2006 for his role in Ghana’s performance at the FIFA World Cup in Germany and contributions to national media development.

Dr. Abbey’s appointment follows the resignation of Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the former CEO, amid a government directive dissolving boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). 

With a mandate to stabilize and revitalize the cocoa sector, Abbey’s leadership is expected to address the dual challenges of declining production and financial deficits.