COCOBOD CHAIR CALLS FOR ALIGNMENT OF PORT OPERATIONS WITH 24-HOUR ECONOMY POLICY

Date: 07th July 2025

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has underscored the significance of the government’s newly launched 24-hour economy policy and urged COCOBOD, with operations strategically located within the port area, to begin positioning itself to align with the demands of a 24-hour economy.

“We need to position ourselves and ensure that we also take advantage of the 24-hour economy”, he stressed. He added that such a shift would not only improve operations but also open up employment opportunities for additional support staff.

The Chairman gave this advice on Thursday, when he led some board members and management, including the Acting Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, Dr. James Kutsoati, on a familiarisation tour of COCOBOD’s operational facilities in Tema.

The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Board and staff and to gain first-hand insight into COCOBOD’s warehousing, port operations, and quality assurance systems. 

The team received comprehensive briefings from the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) and the Quality Control Company (QCC) Ltd. (both subsidiaries of COCOBOD) and later interacted with staff to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the operational environment.

The tour also covered key installations such as the QCC laboratories, COCOBOD warehouses, and the Cocoa Village.

Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo also reaffirmed that farmers remain central to COCOBOD’s policies. “Everything we do must centre on the farmer, their welfare and wellbeing. If production at the farm gate fails, operations here grind to a halt,” he stated, referencing the presence of two farmer-representatives on the board as a demonstration of the board’s commitment to inclusive governance.

The Board Chairman further acknowledged the efforts of staff and assured them of the board’s commitment to staff motivation and technical support. He further stressed the importance of maintaining Ghana’s premium cocoa status, which is as a result of COCOBOD's robust quality assurance systems. 

“You play a critical role in preserving the premium that sustains our industry. We came here to hear from you, assess our strengths, identify threats, and find ways to enhance quality and productivity. Only a well-motivated workforce can deliver peak performance. We’re here to work together to meet our shared goals.”

Touching on operational logistics, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo disclosed that the board had approved the purchase of new operational vehicles to support field activities and improve turnaround times. He emphasised the need for reinvestment into systems and logistics from generated revenue.

He concluded by pledging the board’s continued collaboration with management, stressing that harmonious board-management relations are key to the success of COCOBOD’s operations.

“We are one team. When board, management, and staff align, productivity rises. That’s the approach we are taking to push forward, together.”