Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association Warns of ‘Excessive’ Political Interference at COCOBOD

Introduction

The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) has issued a stark warning about what it describes as excessive political interference at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), raising serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s vital cocoa industry. This development highlights growing tensions between political appointments and professional management in one of Ghana’s most important agricultural institutions.

Key Points

Background

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has historically been recognized as one of West Africa’s most successful agricultural institutions, playing a crucial role in managing Ghana’s cocoa sector, which remains the backbone of the national economy. The organization has traditionally been staffed by experienced professionals with deep institutional knowledge of cocoa production, processing, and marketing.

However, according to LICOBAG’s Executive Secretary Victus Dzah, this professional foundation has been eroding since 2013. What was once an institution celebrated for its technocratic excellence and institutional memory has reportedly become increasingly politicized, with political appointments now extending far beyond the Chief Executive position.

Analysis

The Evolution of Political Interference

The politicization of COCOBOD appears to have evolved gradually but systematically. Initially, only the Chief Executive position was politically exposed, which is common in many parastatal organizations worldwide. However, the situation has reportedly worsened significantly, with political appointees now occupying positions at multiple organizational levels.

Mr. Dzah specifically noted that “the three Deputy Chief Executives also became political appointees,” marking a significant expansion of political influence within the organization’s leadership structure. This trend has reportedly continued to deepen under both the immediate past and current governments, creating what LICOBAG describes as a “vicious cycle” that has become “the new normal.”

Impact on Institutional Stability

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted by LICOBAG is the absence of security of tenure within COCOBOD. According to the association, sweeping personnel changes occur at all levels whenever there is a change in government, including positions as basic as drivers. This constant turnover creates significant instability and undermines the development of institutional knowledge and expertise.

The lack of job security reportedly fosters an environment of low morale, heightened hypocrisy, and increased bootlicking, which in turn leads to mediocrity in service delivery. Such an atmosphere is particularly damaging in an organization responsible for managing Ghana’s most important agricultural export commodity.

Effects on Post-Harvest Operations

The politicization of COCOBOD is already affecting critical post-harvest operations, according to LICOBAG. These operations include buying, evacuation, storage, and quality assurance—all essential stages that determine Ghana’s reputation in the international cocoa market. Compromised professionalism at these levels could have serious implications for Ghana’s cocoa quality standards and, consequently, its competitiveness in global markets.

Practical Advice

For Policy Makers

1. **Implement Merit-Based Appointments**: Establish clear criteria for appointments at COCOBOD that prioritize professional qualifications and experience over political affiliations.

2. **Create Security of Tenure**: Develop policies that protect employees from arbitrary dismissal due to political changes, similar to civil service protections.

3. **Establish Independent Oversight**: Create an independent oversight committee with representation from industry stakeholders to monitor COCOBOD’s operations and appointments.

4. **Professional Development Programs**: Invest in continuous training and development programs to build and maintain institutional knowledge within COCOBOD.

For Industry Stakeholders

1. **Document and Report Issues**: Maintain detailed records of how political interference affects operations and share these with relevant oversight bodies.

2. **Engage in Constructive Dialogue**: Work with government officials to explain the negative impacts of excessive politicization on the cocoa sector’s sustainability.

3. **Support Reform Initiatives**: Back efforts to reform COCOBOD’s governance structure to insulate it from partisan politics.

4. **Promote Industry Standards**: Continue to advocate for and maintain high quality standards in cocoa production and processing, regardless of institutional challenges.

FAQ

Conclusion

The warning from LICOBAG represents a significant concern for Ghana’s cocoa sector and, by extension, the national economy. The association’s critique highlights the tension between political control and professional management in state institutions, particularly those responsible for managing strategic economic sectors.

The sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry—which supports millions of livelihoods and generates substantial foreign exchange—depends on the effective management of COCOBOD. If the current trend of excessive political interference continues unchecked, it could undermine decades of institutional development and compromise Ghana’s position as a leading quality cocoa producer in the global market.

Addressing this challenge requires political will to implement reforms that balance accountability with the need for professional, stable management of critical state institutions. The future of Ghana’s cocoa sector may well depend on how effectively these governance challenges are addressed in the coming years.