Asafo-Adjei Slams Randy Abbey Over Alleged Renovation Spending While Cocoa Farmers Go Unpaid

The Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, has strongly criticised the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Randy Abbey, accusing him of neglecting cocoa farmers while allegedly spending large sums of money on renovating his official residence.

According to the MP, cocoa farmers are currently facing severe financial hardship due to unpaid arrears and the recent reduction in cocoa prices from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587. He described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly at a time when many farming families are struggling to survive.

The aggrieved farmers reportedly met with the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Wednesday morning in Konongo to seek support in presenting their grievances on the floor of Parliament. The meeting comes amid growing tension within cocoa-growing communities over pricing and delayed payments.

Addressing the matter, Nana Asafo-Adjei alleged that funds that could have been used to settle payments owed to farmers were instead diverted for renovation works. “Instead of using the funds at COCOBOD to pay farmers, the CEO used the funds to renovate his apartment given to him by COCOBOD while farmers are dying of hunger,” he claimed.

The MP argued that leadership at COCOBOD must prioritise the welfare of farmers, who remain the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa industry. He stressed that delays in payment and reduced producer prices have far-reaching consequences on rural livelihoods, education, healthcare, and farm productivity.