CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE TO STAFF

Date: 29th December 2023

Colleagues,

The year 2023 can best be described as remarkable for a number of reasons. The Cocoa Management System (CMS) was successfully completed to enable the much-anticipated Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme (CFPS) to kick off. Cocoa farmers received the highest increment in cocoa price in history in addition to similar feats made in the Board’s Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs) giving us every cause to commend ourselves for the good work done. 

I am therefore elated to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the industry for your dedication and hard work towards a thriving cocoa sector.

As we reflect on the past year's achievements, let us also look forward to the opportunities that the coming year brings. I have every confidence that with your continued passion and expertise, each of you will work harder to reach new heights for a brighter future for our organisation, the farmers and the communities we serve.

During the year, Management committed to a roadmap aimed at rallying the support of all staff, towards a process of cultural and institutional change with the view to build an agile cocoa sector. The Marketplace Innovation programme which was spearheaded by the Maddison Pine team triggered the generation of ideas to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the way we do things in the cocoa sector. 

Through this bold initiative, there has been some consciousness for change, as new set of workable ideas for changing staff perceptions to promote good corporate governance has been observed. Management recalls with pride, the hearty enthusiasm shown by staff from the divisions and subsidiaries at every stage of the programme’s implementation. I take this opportunity to thank each one of you for lending your utmost support to this very important exercise. Let us incorporate the ideas and concepts shared together into our routine activities to bring about the dynamism and innovation we all expect. 

Amidst the successes chalked, we have also come to terms with the daunting challenges that we faced during the year. Although we have navigated them with resilient and innovative strategies, smuggling and diversion of cocoa beans and farming inputs, the threat of illegal mining and effects of climate change remain hurdles we all need to work together to eliminate. Our commitment to sustainable practices, quality, and teamwork has truly set us apart and positioned the sector on a path of progress and prosperity. 

I have every belief that with strong determination, respect for our shared values and collaborative efforts, we will continue to achieve new heights in the coming year. Your contributions have not only shaped our success but have also created a positive workplace culture which has stimulated the smooth implementation of the Board’s Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs). 

As we enter a new year, I want to encourage all staff to challenge themselves in the area of staff voluntarism.  Here, I mean staff should come up with proposals to support key areas of the Board's activities, especially in cocoa production, and to support the adoption process of the PEPs by our farmers.  Our farmers have come to the full realisation that pruning, pollination, fertilizer application, rehabilitation of dead farms and diseases and pests control are the magic wands for boosting the productivity of farms. Together, let us work to hasten the adoption among our farmers to build a strong industry. 

In the spirit of the holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones joy, peace, and rejuvenation. Take this time to rest, recharge, and return in the new year with fresh perspectives and renewed energy. As usual, never give out a gift bag to a dear one without a piece of cocoa product to enable them experience the vitality, energy and complete health obtained through cocoa consumption.

Finally, colleagues, thank you for being an integral part of the COCOBOD family. Together, let us make the upcoming year even more remarkable.

Afehyiapa to you all.