The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) has raised concerns over what it describes as excessive political interference at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the country’s cocoa industry.

At a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, 5 February, the Association said challenges confronting the cocoa value chain—particularly at the post-harvest stage from the farm gate to the terminal—have reached a critical point and could trigger a collapse of the industry if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

Speaking on behalf of LICOBAG, Executive Secretary Victus Dzah painted a sobering picture of an institution he said has lost its professional lustre due to deepening politicisation.

“Since 2013, COCOBOD has become a dumping ground for political foot soldiers,” Mr Dzah said, noting that an organisation once celebrated for its technocratic excellence and institutional memory has suffered a steady erosion of competence.

He lamented that political exposure, which was previously limited to the Chief Executive, has now permeated multiple layers of the organisation.

“Hitherto, only the Chief Executive was politically exposed, and with time, the three Deputy Chief Executives also became political appointees,” he stated.

According to LICOBAG, the absence of security of tenure within COCOBOD has fostered instability and weakened staff morale, undermining efficiency across the cocoa value chain.

“There is no longer security of tenure in COCOBOD, as there are sweeping changes in personnel at all levels, including drivers, whenever there is a change in government,” Mr Dzah said.

He argued that the situation deteriorated significantly under both the immediate past and current governments, creating a cycle that now appears entrenched.

“This vicious cycle seems to have become the new normal unless something is done about it,” he warned.

Beyond institutional instability, LICOBAG linked the politicisation of COCOBOD to declining service delivery, describing an environment marked by low morale and compromised professionalism.

“This sad development has lowered morale, heightened hypocrisy and increased bootlicking, hence mediocrity in service delivery,” Mr Dzah said.

The Association stressed that these governance challenges are already affecting post-harvest operations, including purchasing, evacuation, storage and quality assurance—critical stages that determine Ghana’s reputation on the international cocoa market.

LICOBAG called for deliberate reforms to insulate COCOBOD from partisan control, restore professionalism, and safeguard the long-term viability of Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy and a key source of livelihoods for millions of farmers.