A civil society organisation, Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana, has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, citing what it describes as serious leadership and management failures.
In a petition dated February 9, 2026, the group accused Dr. Abbey of gross incompetence, arrogance, and the use of intimidation tactics in the discharge of his duties. According to the group, his leadership style sharply contrasts with what they described as President Mahama’s “servant leadership” approach.
The petition commended the President for what it called improvements in key economic indicators and a reduction in the cost of living, noting that these gains reflect a commitment to effective governance. However, the group argued that similar progress has not been seen at COCOBOD under Dr. Abbey’s tenure.
“Unlike Your Excellency’s inclusive and solutions-driven leadership, the management of COCOBOD has been marked by poor decision-making, financial missteps, and misplaced priorities,” the petition stated.
Among the concerns raised were alleged financial mismanagement, questionable renovation projects, resistance to internal reforms, and actions said to have undermined operational improvements within the cocoa sector.
The advocacy group further claimed that the CEO’s leadership has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among cocoa farmers, particularly due to delays in the payment of arrears owed to them. Many farmers across cocoa-growing regions are reportedly struggling as a result of the unpaid debts.
The group has therefore called on President Mahama to take “immediate corrective action” by relieving Dr. Abbey of his duties in what it described as a move necessary to protect the cocoa sector and the livelihoods of farmers.
COCOBOD has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
