The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has come under careful examination in recent times, with claims of mismanagement and inability to secure a syndicated loan for the purchase of cocoa beans for this year’s crop season.
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, argued that COCOBOD’s failure to access the international capital market for the first time in 32 years is a clear indication of the trouble the cocoa sector is in under the Nana Addo administration.
However, Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has refuted these claims, stating that COCOBOD is positioning a hybrid system of financing for the purchase of cocoa beans this season. “It is not true that international banks have shut their doors on Ghana cocoa board,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin assured that COCOBOD will soon raise funds from the capital market, adding that “time will tell if the cocoa board has collapsed or not.” He urged parliamentarians to remain optimistic and encourage the cocoa sector to be successful.
The Majority Leader also stressed the need for monitoring mechanisms to avoid abuses of grants when companies benefit from them. “What I think my colleagues in the opposition, led by the minority leader, should focus on is how to put in monitoring mechanisms to avoid abuses of such grants which companies benefit from,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed his pride in the work done by parliamentarians so far, stating that “in spite of all the challenges we face as a house, we have enriched democracy.” He also praised the government for its initiatives, such as the Free Senior High School Program and the Free Vocational Training Program.
The Majority Leader encouraged colleagues to be guided by national interests and avoid partisan comments that could destroy the economy. “We must be mindful of our utterances and the words we use,” he cautioned.
In conclusion, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed his optimism about the economy, stating that “I am very optimistic that this economy will rebound.” He asserted that the government will continue to support the cocoa sector and ensure its success.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Sena Afi Senanu
