The Ghana Accountability Forum (GAF) has urged the government to commission a forensic audit of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to bolster transparency and public trust as structural reforms sweep the nation’s cocoa industry.
In a statement issued by Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Interim Chairman of GAF, the forum emphasized the need for an independent committee to investigate COCOBOD’s finances and operations, with findings made publicly available. The move, GAF said, would enhance accountability, strengthen parliamentary oversight, and safeguard one of Ghana’s most iconic agricultural sectors.
“Accountability should not be politicized but rather seen as a national responsibility to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry,” the statement read. “The scale of financial strain, declining output, and growing concerns among farmers demand urgent scrutiny of management decisions, financial commitments, and governance practices within COCOBOD.”
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GAF highlighted several factors contributing to the sector’s challenges, including ageing cocoa farms, plant diseases, inadequate farmer support systems, and illegal mining. The forum warned that the sharp decline in cocoa production could have far-reaching consequences on rural livelihoods and the broader economy.
The organization, a non-partisan platform uniting civil society organizations, anti-corruption advocates, media practitioners, youth activists, and concerned citizens, stressed that COCOBOD’s governance should prioritize courage, transparency, and accountability. “Cocoa is central to Ghana’s economy and identity. Reforms must place accountability at the heart of sector governance,” the statement concluded.
GAF’s call comes as the government implements reforms aimed at stabilizing the cocoa sector, increasing local processing, and addressing financial pressures within COCOBOD. The forum stressed that a thorough audit would provide clarity on financial management and reinforce public confidence in the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
