The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has officially tendered his resignation.

He cites a recent government directive regarding the cessation of all boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as basis for his decision.

In his resignation letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Aidoo expressed gratitude to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, and Ghanaians for entrusting him with the leadership of COCOBOD over the past eight years.

“This opportunity has been an incredible honour, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me,” he wrote.

Early Departure

While Mr. Aidoo’s renewed appointment under the COCOBOD Law, 1984 (PNDCL 81) was scheduled to conclude in July 2025, he said he opted to step down earlier to facilitate a seamless transition and emphasised the importance of allowing stakeholders and business partners adequate time to establish relationships with the incoming leadership.

“I have chosen to step aside earlier to ensure a smooth transition and enable stakeholders and business partners to establish timely connections with the incoming head of the institution,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Ghana’s cocoa industry, pledging support for any transitional processes that may be required.

Reflecting on his tenure, he described the experience as both rewarding and enlightening.

“I remain committed to the advancement of Ghana's cocoa sector and stand ready to support any transition processes that may be required,” he noted.

The Ghana Cocoa Board is a critical institution in Ghana’s economy, managing the production, regulation, and marketing of cocoa—a major export and revenue earner for the country.