Nana Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Paramount Chief of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area in the Western Region, has commended the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, for demonstrating strong leadership in the cocoa sector despite having spent only a few months in office.
The Omanhene made these remarks during a courtesy call by Dr. Abbey and his team at his palace, as part of a three-day working tour of the Western North and Western South Regions.
Highlighting the enormous challenges and demands within COCOBOD’s operations, Nana Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II noted that managing the sector requires significant effort, dedication, and time to meet the expectations of stakeholders along the cocoa value chain.
He praised Dr. Abbey’s early initiatives and visible commitment to improving the cocoa sector, stating:
“This shows your strong commitment to advancing the industry, especially given your relatively short time in office,” he said.
The Paramount Chief urged Dr. Abbey’s administration to prioritize the continuity of vital infrastructure projects — such as roads, hospitals, and schools — that are crucial for supporting cocoa-growing communities.
“Don’t let unfinished projects gather dust; build on what’s been started to leave a lasting legacy,” he advised.
Nana Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II also emphasized the importance of ongoing programs like cocoa pruning and hand-pollination, describing them as essential for sustaining productivity.
Addressing the threat of illegal mining (galamsey), he lamented its devastating impact on cocoa farms, particularly in the Western South Region, which, according to him, contributes between 20% and 40% of Ghana’s total cocoa production.
He called for a national collaboration to tackle galamsey and pledged his full support for any anti-illegal mining initiatives spearheaded by COCOBOD.
“Illegal mining demands a national response; I’m committed to backing effective policies,” he affirmed.
Finally, the Omanhene urged COCOBOD to ensure a fair producer price for cocoa, arguing that it would encourage farmers to continue cocoa production rather than selling their lands to illegal miners.
“A fair price is a fitting tribute to farmers’ sweat and toil,” he stated.
