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COCOBOD Crisis: Farmers need clear solutions, not assurances – Miracles Aboagye
Political communicator Miracles Aboagye has criticised the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over the handling of the ongoing cocoa payment crisis, saying farmers need clear solutions rather than assurances.
According to him, he was not inspired after listening to the COCOBOD CEO, Dr.Randy Abbey’s address the issue, especially after the crisis has persisted for several months.
“I listened to the COCOBOD CEO and I wasn’t inspired. This crisis started as far back as November 2025, and here we are in February 2026, still telling farmers you’re looking for solutions. That is not assurance,” he said.
Mr. Aboagye described the situation as a sign of leadership failure, arguing that after four months, government should have clearly outlined concrete measures to resolve the problem.
He questioned how long farmers are expected to wait, stressing that continued delays are discouraging and deeply worrying, especially as the country prepares to enter the main cocoa crop season.
He said he had visited several cocoa-growing communities and interacted directly with farmers, some of whom have not been paid for months.
According to him, the situation is pushing some farmers to consider selling their cocoa farms to illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, who are offering immediate cash.
“The offers from galamsey operators are tempting. If farmers work hard and government delays their money, they may be forced to destroy cocoa farms just to survive,” he warned.
Mr. Aboagye described the situation as dangerous for the future of cocoa farming, noting that cocoa farms are long-term investments that support families across generations.
He cited examples of cocoa farms passed down through families over decades, stressing that cocoa farming is more sustainable than illegal mining, which destroys land and leaves communities worse off.
He also appealed to farmers not to give up their farms despite the challenges, urging them to think about future generations.
Mr. Aboagye called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to treat the cocoa crisis with urgency, saying the complaints from farmers are genuine and not exaggerated.
“The complaints are real. I have been to the farms. I have listened to the farmers. What they are saying on the airwaves is exactly what they are experiencing on the ground,” he said.
He added that cocoa farmers are facing rising living costs and need immediate support to survive.
The cocoa payment delays have sparked growing public concern, with calls mounting for government and COCOBOD to act swiftly to protect farmers and the cocoa sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
