DR. ROB LOCKWOOD RETIRES AFTER 55 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO COCOA RESEARCH

Date: 05th March 2025

Dr. Rob Lockwood, the lead consultant of the Mabang Megakarya Selection Programme (MMSP) at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), has retired after 55 years of research and impactful service to the cocoa industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Lockwood demonstrated exceptional research acumen, passion, and commitment to cocoa breeding and notably led efforts to identify high-yielding cocoa clones resistant to Phytophthora megakarya (P. megakarya), a major threat to cocoa production.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony held in his honour at the MMSP premises in Mabang, Ahafo Region, the Executive Director of CRIG, Dr. Francis Padi, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the management of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and CRIG. He lauded Dr. Lockwood and his fellow pioneers for conceiving the MMSP initiative in 2003 and, through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, transforming it into a successful cocoa research center.

Dr. Padi also extended gratitude to key partner institutions, including the Dutch Buffer Stock Fund, Mars-Wrigley, Cocoa Research UK (CRUK), the Government of the Netherlands, and the Ghana Cocoa Growing Association (GCCRA), for their immense support in ensuring the success of the project.

Recalling his early years, Dr. Lockwood fondly shared how he arrived at Tafo (CRIG) from England on May 1, 1969, as a Plant Breeder and dedicated his expertise to enhancing cocoa research. His solid efforts, particularly at MMSP, played a vital role in improving cocoa productivity and ensuring sustainable cocoa production in Ghana.

Expressing his profound gratitude, Dr. Lockwood thanked God for granting him the privilege of retiring honourably from CRIG and COCOBOD. He also extended appreciation to the people of Mabang, his colleagues, and especially his wife and children, whose continued support allowed him to work successfully until retirement.

As a distinguished breeder and research leader, Dr. Lockwood’s contributions to cocoa science will be remembered for generations. In recognition of his immense impact on CRIG, COCOBOD, and the cocoa industry as a whole, management and staff presented him with a heartfelt citation as a token of appreciation.

With resounding gratitude, they bid him "Ayekoo!" wishing him a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

By Geoffrey Opoku-Darko
Public Affairs, CRIG