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COCOBOD signals new policy direction after meeting cocoa processors
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, has indicated that the government plans to introduce a new policy direction for Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Dr.Abbey made the remarks after a stakeholder engagement with cocoa processors, describing the consultations as a key step in shaping reforms within the sector.
He noted that processors play an extremely important role in the cocoa value chain, particularly in the area of value addition.
According to him, the meeting formed part of a series of engagements aimed at aligning industry players with the government’s strategy.
He explained that it was necessary to meet leaders in the processing sector to demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening value addition.
He disclosed that both the Finance Minister and the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry led the discussions.
He added that full details of the government’s policy direction would be outlined in a press briefing by the Finance Minister later in the day.
Dr. Abbey stressed that Ghana must rethink its long standing reliance on exporting raw cocoa beans.
In his view, a shift toward value addition is critical if the country is to create jobs, improve returns for farmers, and expand business opportunities.
He maintained that changing course in the cocoa industry would help generate greater wealth and support entrepreneurship.
The anticipated reforms are expected to address structural issues and promote increased local processing of cocoa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghanaian music icon, Akwasi Poku Addae, known in Showbiz circles as Kwaisey Pee has honoured his promise to children suffering from cancer.
Ahead of his 25th anniversary event held at the D’ Icon Event Centre at East Legon last year, he made a promise to donate some funds to children suffering from cancer.
True to his word, the musician has recently made a donation of GHC50,000 to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He told the Ghanaian Times that children are so dear to him, and was optimistic the support would go a long way too impact lives.
The music dynamo also promised that the gesture will not be the last,” it will be a continuous feature from me.”
He also called on Ghanaians home and abroad to lend a helping hand to children suffering from cancer.
According to him, children with cancer have many needs, and a helping hands will go a long way ease the suffering.
“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and leaving that to parents of the children alone, will be a huge burden, with support from you and myself, we can make some changes in other people’s lives,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
A disagreement has emerged between Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, and energy consultant Kwadwo Poku over government funding for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate centred on government’s decision to budget about 13 million dollars to support the national team, even though FIFA is expected to provide an appearance fee of about 10.5 million dollars if Ghana qualifies for the tournament.
During the discussion on Joys news , Mr Poku questioned why the government should allocate such an amount when FIFA already provides funds to participating countries.
According to him, the appearance fee alone should help cover some of the country’s expenses.
He argued that if FIFA is giving Ghana 10.5 million dollars simply for qualifying for the tournament, it raises questions about the need for the government to appropriate additional funds.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, explained that the government’s allocation was part of advance planning captured in the national budget even before the final qualification results were known.
He noted that the budget for the tournament period was prepared in November 2025, when it was not certain that Ghana would qualify.
He stressed that budgeting does not automatically mean the entire amount will be spent.
According to him, the funds are meant to prepare the team from the start of the competition period until the end of the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah explained that if the team exits the tournament early, the full amount allocated in the budget will not be used.
Mr Poku maintained that FIFA already provides financial support to teams for participating in the World Cup and insisted that the government must clearly justify additional spending.
The discussion extended to the role of the Ghana Football Association in managing the national teams.
Mr Poku described the association as a private institution and argued that FIFA also operates as a private body that does not allow government interference.
He explained that FIFA provides funds to teams to support their preparation and participation in the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, maintained that national teams represent the country and require government support to operate effectively.
By: Jacob Aggrey
