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COCOBOD signals new policy direction after meeting cocoa processors
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The Chief Executive Officer 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
Veteran Nigerian actor and African screen legend, Pete Edochie, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, during his visit to Ghana.
Edochie is in Ghana to launch the African Legacy Project, which includes a book, documentary film and an African Youth Mentorship Initiative targeting about 500,000 young people across the continent.
Mr. Gyamfi welcomed the opportunity for GoldBod to support the mentorship initiative, noting that it aligns with the Board’s Special Intervention Programme and its focus on social impact and economic empowerment.
GoldBod’s work is also referenced in Pete Edochie’s new book, which highlights Ghana’s efforts to ensure its gold resources contribute to national development.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Ghanaians seeking employment in Zambia to be cautious of fraudulent job offers that could expose them to human trafficking and forced involvement in cybercrime.
The warning follows the arrest of six Ghanaians in Lusaka, Zambia, during a joint operation by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Department of Immigration on August 23, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the operation targeted a facility suspected of being involved in organised cybercrime activities and led to the arrest of 79 people, including 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals.
The Ministry said six of the foreign nationals arrested were Ghanaians.
It explained that reports received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicated that some of those arrested had been recruited through what appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities, including online data entry jobs.
However, the Ministry said some were allegedly forced into online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers.
It warned that the situation highlights how human trafficking groups are using fake employment opportunities to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illegal activities.
The Ministry has therefore advised Ghanaians travelling to Zambia or seeking employment there to thoroughly verify job offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.
Ghanaians living in Zambia have also been urged to remain vigilant when responding to online job opportunities and maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary.
The Ministry said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to or living outside the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
