Gov’t directs forensic audit into COCOBOD

The government has directed the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the finances and operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over the past eight years.

The directive was announced on Thursday, February 12, by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a press briefing outlining measures to stabilise the cocoa sector following mounting challenges.

Dr. Forson said Cabinet had taken the decision as part of broader efforts to restore transparency and accountability in the management of the sector.

To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector as a whole, cabinet also directed the Attorney General to commission concurrent forensic and criminal investigation into the activities of COCOBOD over the last eight years, he said.

The announcement follows an emergency meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, February 11, to address the growing concerns within the sector.

The government says the investigations will run alongside broader structural reforms aimed at restoring financial stability to COCOBOD and safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide.

The cocoa industry has recently faced significant turbulence, particularly over delays in payments to farmers across the country.

The situation has raised concerns among stakeholders and sparked fears about the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.