Listowel Nana Poku, a leading member of the pressure group Arise Ghana
Listowel Nana Poku, a leading member of the pressure group Arise Ghana, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately dismiss the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey, to ensure the survival of the cocoa sector.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem via Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the activist asserted that the former media personality and football administrator lacks the necessary expertise to lead such a sensitive institution.
He described the former Good Morning Ghana host as incompetent and cited poor interpersonal relations as a major hurdle to his leadership.
Nana Poku revealed that he was personally opposed to the appointment from the outset, predicting that it would inevitably result in failure.
“I have consistently argued that Dr Randy Abbey lacks competence in cocoa affairs. He should never have been appointed to head COCOBOD. He cannot even differentiate between cocoa and pawpaw,” Poku stated.
“The President should have known better. He is in constant conflict with his colleagues and has stayed in the position far too long. He should have been dismissed long ago.”
Beyond the call for dismissal, Nana Poku expressed frustration over the lack of prosecution for alleged financial mismanagement within the board.
He alleged that the previous management misappropriated $263 million intended for the rehabilitation of 156,000 hectares of cocoa plantations.
According to Poku, they failed to complete even 40,000 hectares, yet those responsible remain free.
He concluded by questioning why the government has yet to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in these alleged discrepancies.
