The campaign team of Dr. Bryan Acheampong has vehemently refuted claims made by former COCOBOD Chief Executive, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, concerning Ghana’s cocoa syndication policy. Aidoo’s statements, according to the campaign team, are riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies, misrepresenting the true sequence of events and Dr. Acheampong’s pivotal role in the policy’s reform. While acknowledging the importance of democratic discourse, the campaign stressed that such discussions should be grounded in factual accuracy and respectful of established institutional procedures. They emphasized Dr. Acheampong’s consistent message of unity, discipline, and adherence to the collective goals of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging supporters to refrain from personal attacks and revisions of historical events. The campaign team seeks to clarify the narrative and ensure that credit is appropriately attributed for the significant policy shift.
Central to the dispute is the claim surrounding the initiation and implementation of the cocoa syndication reform. Dr. Acheampong’s campaign team asserts that, as Minister for Food and Agriculture, he formally presented a cabinet memo advocating for the cancellation of Ghana’s long-standing reliance on syndicated cocoa loans. This policy, which had been in place for 32 years, was subsequently terminated, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to cocoa financing. The public announcement of this policy change was made by Dr. Acheampong himself, further solidifying his role in the reform process. The campaign team emphasizes this documented chain of events to counter Mr. Aidoo’s assertions and establish the factual record.
Beyond the policy reform itself, the campaign team highlighted the substantial positive impact of Dr. Acheampong’s leadership on cocoa farmers. During his tenure, the producer price of cocoa witnessed a dramatic increase of 278 percent, rising from GH¢800 in 2022 to GH¢3,100 in 2024. This unprecedented price hike directly benefited cocoa farmers, significantly improving their livelihoods and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the cocoa-producing sector. This accomplishment, according to the campaign team, further underscores Dr. Acheampong’s commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian cocoa farmers and his effective leadership within the agricultural sector.
The campaign team directly challenged the credibility of Mr. Aidoo’s statements, pointing out significant contradictions in his narrative. While claiming to have spearheaded the cocoa syndication reform, Mr. Aidoo simultaneously professed ignorance of the formal cabinet submission and the subsequent public announcement of the policy change. The campaign team argues that this contradictory stance is illogical. If Mr. Aidoo had indeed been the driving force behind the reform, as he claims, it would be highly improbable for him to be unaware of these crucial milestones in the policy’s implementation. The campaign team characterized Mr. Aidoo’s assertions as a regrettable attempt to diminish a shared achievement of the NPP, undermining the party’s collective efforts and accomplishments.
The campaign team reiterated Dr. Acheampong’s unwavering commitment to transparency, innovative ideas, and inclusive leadership. They emphasized his results-oriented vision for Ghana, focusing on tangible improvements in the lives of citizens and the overall development of the nation. By highlighting these core values, the campaign team seeks to portray Dr. Acheampong as a leader dedicated to serving the best interests of Ghana and its people. They aim to contrast this positive vision with what they perceive as Mr. Aidoo’s attempts to distort the historical record for personal gain.
In conclusion, the statement issued by Dr. Acheampong’s campaign team serves as a strong rebuttal to Mr. Aidoo’s claims, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy and respectful discourse within the political arena. The campaign team meticulously outlines the sequence of events leading to the cocoa syndication reform, highlighting Dr. Acheampong’s pivotal role in the process and the tangible benefits accrued to cocoa farmers as a result of his leadership. By directly addressing Mr. Aidoo’s contradictory statements, the campaign team aims to clarify the narrative and reinforce Dr. Acheampong’s image as a transparent, results-driven leader committed to the betterment of Ghana. They underscore his commitment to unity within the NPP and a focus on policy achievements rather than personal attacks or revisionist narratives.
