The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has announced that the government will pursue criminal prosecutions against individuals implicated in the mismanagement of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
In an exclusive interview on TV3 Hot Issues with Keminni, Mr Kwetey disclosed that Cabinet has resolved to hold all persons found culpable accountable, emphasising that corruption and abuse of authority within the industry will not go unpunished.
“Cabinet has made a point that all the people that have committed a crime in this sector should be prosecuted,” he said, stressing the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The government’s decision follows concerns about alleged financial irregularities within the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), including claims that funds meant for farmers were misused for personal benefits and lavish renovations.
Asked about accusations that the current COCOBOD leadership had diverted cocoa funds to refurbish private residences and purchase vehicles for directors, Mr Kwetey said Cabinet had discussed the matter extensively and ordered a detailed financial probe.
“What we agreed also was that the Finance Minister will allow for a deep forensic dive into the very operations of COCOBOD, in order to see which areas clearly cuts have to happen,” he explained. “COCOBOD must take a good heat as well.”
He acknowledged that despite public perceptions, COCOBOD currently faces financial constraints due to a stronger cedi, which has reduced its profit margins from exports. According to him, previous administrations worsened the situation through questionable contracts.
“Cabinet had to take a decision that going forward, no road construction should be done by COCOBOD anymore,” he said. “What NPP simply did was to go in an unconscionable path of giving road contracts worth billions for procurement and to take care of cronies.”
Mr Kwetey said the upcoming forensic audit would cover all areas of COCOBOD operations and form the basis for criminal proceedings where wrongdoing is established.
“Every single one of them will be prosecuted,” he vowed. “They have landed this important sector into a ditch and still have the audacity to speak. They have no moral authority.”