The Ghana Accountability Forum (GAF) called for a forensic audit into the finances of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), as the nation’s cocoa sector undergoes structural reforms.

In that regard, the forum called on the government to set up an independent committee that would publish its findings to strengthen public sector transparency and accountability.

The GAF is a non-partisan platform that brings together civil society organizations (CSOs), anti-corruption advocates, media practitioners, youth activists, and concerned citizens to collectively demand accountability in public life.

It serves as a safe and credible space for dialogue, advocacy, research, and citizen engagement focusing on anti-corruption advocacy, public financial accountability, social accountability, access to information, media freedom, and whistleblower protection.

A statement issued and signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Interim Chairman of the GAF said parliamentary oversight over the management of the COCOBOD ought to be strengthened too.

“In fact, accountability should not be politicized but rather seen as a national responsibility to safeguard Ghana’s most iconic agricultural sector,” a copy of the statement made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) stated.

It observed that a comprehensive investigation into the operations of the COCOBOD was required to hold authorities accountable, as the nation reformed her cocoa sector.

The statement indicated that: “The scale of financial strain, declining cocoa output, and growing concerns among farmers demand urgent scrutiny of management decisions, financial commitments, and governance practices within COCOBOD”.

It said “The current situation within the cocoa sector raises serious questions about oversight, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

A thorough investigation is necessary to establish the facts and protect the national interest”, saying that: “Reports suggest that the COCOBOD’s debt burden has increased significantly”.

It said the sharp decline in the nation’s annual cocoa production could have far-reaching consequences on rural livelihoods and the broader economy, citing factors like illegal mining, ageing cocoa farms, plant diseases, and inadequate support systems for farmers as major contributors.

The statement added that: “Cocoa is central to Ghana’s economy and identity and that calls for courage, transparency, and reforms, placing accountability at the heart of the sector governance structure.”