The Minority in Parliament is calling for the immediate resignation of Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

According to the Minority, Aidoo's management of the cocoa sector has been marred by mismanagement, leading to the worsening conditions of cocoa farmers.

They assert that he is no longer suitable for the CEO position.

Addressing the media in the Ashanti Region, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized that despite the announcement of a 68 percent increase in the producer price, the cocoa sector is facing significant challenges and is in a state of decline.

“Clearly, something is amiss at COCOBOD because we are seeing the production of cocoa coming down to the lowest in the last fifteen years and we have also seen them recording massive losses since 2017. Last year, according to their own audit report, we declared a loss of GH¢2.4 billion in one year and so I don’t see why the CEO should be in office despite these happenings.”

The Minority has leveled accusations of incompetence and corruption against Aidoo, asserting that he has failed to implement necessary reforms aimed at enhancing the cocoa sector.

Additionally, the Minority has criticized the government for what they deem as shortchanging cocoa farmers by setting the price of a cocoa bag at GHC1,300. According to them, cocoa farmers should have received a minimum of GHC2,500 per bag.

During an interview on Eyewitness News, Eric Opoku, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, strongly criticized the government for providing cocoa farmers with what he described as inadequate compensation.

He expressed deep concern over the remuneration given to cocoa farmers, emphasizing that this season presents an ideal opportunity for cocoa farmers to reap substantial benefits from their produce.