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Cocoa Arrears: blame game will not solve the problem – Prof. Bokpin Boadi
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Economist and policy analyst, Professor Godfred Bokpin Boadi, has called on government to stop the blame game over cocoa arrears and instead focus on finding practical solutions to address the challenges facing cocoa farmers.
Speaking during a discussion on the issue at joy news, Prof. Boadi said arguing over whether the current or previous government is responsible for the problem will not help farmers who are already struggling.
According to him, governments inherit both assets and liabilities when they take office, and while they often take credit for the assets, they are quick to shift blame when it comes to liabilities.
“Government inherits assets and liabilities. We praise the assets but try to find excuses when it comes to liabilities,” he said.
Prof. Boadi explained that cocoa, like gold, is sold on the international market, and Ghana does not control its price.
He noted that the country only controls production and quantity, while prices are determined globally.
He warned successive governments against politicising commodities such as cocoa, gold, and other export products, saying changes in international prices can easily expose the economy to serious challenges.
According to him, the revenue from cocoa sales in dollars, when converted using the exchange rate, should be enough to pay farmers.
However, fluctuations in global prices and the exchange rate have created a gap between what farmers are promised and what government earns from cocoa exports.
He pointed out that Ghana is currently paying farmers based on a cocoa price of about 5,500 dollars per tonne, while the international market price has dropped to around 4,300 dollars per tonne, creating a shortfall of more than 1,200 dollars per tonne.
Prof. Boadi said the real issue now is how government plans to close this gap to ensure farmers are paid fairly.
He suggested that government could explore options such as using reserves, borrowing, delaying payments, or negotiating new payment arrangements with farmers to manage the situation.
“At the end of the day, the farmer is the one suffering. Whether it is the past government or the current government, the farmer’s problem remains the same,” he said.
He stressed that the focus should be on finding solutions to prevent further hardship for cocoa farmers rather than trading accusations.
The comments come amid growing concerns over cocoa arrears and rising pressure on government to act swiftly to stabilise the cocoa sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Lawyers for former NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, say they will file an appeal despite a High Court directive for the Attorney General to amend two counts of defrauding by false pretences in the ongoing case.
The court on Wednesday ordered the AG to amend the two charges in the case involving the former NAFCO CEO and co-accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni.
Reacting to the ruling, counsel for Hanan Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he said.
The case is part of ongoing prosecutions linked to alleged financial irregularities at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
The High Court’s directive means the prosecution will have to revise aspects of the charge sheet before the trial proceeds further.
Background
Counsel for former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame, filed an application seeking to have the charges against their client dismissed.
They contend the charges are fundamentally flawed and violate his right to a fair trial.
The State, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, maintaining that the charges are valid and that the accused ought to face trial.
Lawyers for Hanan’s wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, led by Augustine Obour, who would also benefit if the application succeeded, yielded their time to the lead counsel for the first accused.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
High Court rejects dismissal request in NAFCO Case, orders prosecution to amend 2 of 16 Charges Against former CEO
The High Court has declined a request by lead counsel for former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, to dismiss charges against him, but has directed the Attorney General to amend two of the 16 counts filed against him.
Presiding Judge, Justice Francis Apangabonu Achibonga, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, ruled today that while the prosecution must revise Counts 9 and 14, the trial will proceed on all charges.
This means the trial of the couple will continue on a combined 20 counts.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba is facing 16 counts, while his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, is facing 4 counts. Both pleaded not guilty on May 18, 2026 and are currently on bail.
Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and lead counsel for the first accused, had argued for the dismissal of the charges. Reacting after the ruling, he said the decision was not sound and indicated plans to file an appeal.
“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he stated.
Augustines Obuor is lead counsel for the second accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni, whiles the Republic was represented by Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General.
The case relates to alleged financial irregularities at NAFCO and is being closely watched as part of government’s efforts to hold public officials accountable.
The court has directed the prosecution to effect the amendments to Counts 9 and 14 before the trial proceeds further.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
