COCOBOD REMAINS DEDICATED TO RESEARCH THAT EMPOWERS, IMPROVES COCOA YIELDS

Date: 11th April 2025

The Deputy Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control, Dr. Francis Baah, has reassured COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting research efforts that tackle the challenges hindering sustainable cocoa production. He emphasised that sustained, cutting-edge research is vital for addressing key issues in the sector and urged staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) to continue striving for excellence.

Dr. Baah made these remarks when he joined the staff of the Institute at New Tafo-Akim in the Eastern Region to formally introduce the newly appointed Management of CRIG, on behalf of the Chief Executive of COCOBOD.

He used the opportunity to laud the staff for their continued commitment and he urged especially the research scientists to collaborate and work with the thrust systems to ensure progressive projects that solve key challenges, including the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), illegal mining (galamsey), climate change and other conditions affecting the sustainability of the cocoa industry.

‘CRIG is the backbone of the cocoa industry with a strong research tradition which must be upheld’, he emphasised. 

He added that the thrust system and mentorship for young scientists have over the past 32 years, ensured groundbreaking and high-quality research for the enviable reputation of the cocoa industry. 

He congratulated the newly appointed Management of CRIG and encouraged them to contribute to the growth of the cocoa sector.

The Acting Executive Director, Dr. Kofi Owusu Domfeh, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the Board and staff for the confidence reposed in them. He stated that the new Management is poised to work in the best interest of the cocoa industry and the welfare of staff.

Dr. Owusu Domfeh emphasised the need for staff to be disciplined, hardworking, punctual and stay focused while abiding by all rules and regulations of COCOBOD to build a formidable workforce for sustainable cocoa production.  

Present at the durbar were Dr. Esther Gyedu Akoto, Deputy Executive Director (Coffee, Shea and Cashew), Dr. Daniel Nyadanu, Ag. Deputy Executive Director (Cocoa and Kola) and Mrs Augusta Nyako, Deputy Executive Director (General Administration).

By Geoffrey Opoku-Darko, Public Affairs, CRIG