Paragraph 1: The Controversial Payment and Procurement Practices at COCOBOD
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), a crucial institution in Ghana’s economy, is embroiled in a major controversy involving questionable procurement practices and a substantial payment of US$13.125 million to Awo Henewah Limited for fertilizer supply. The timing of this payment, authorized on the very day the new Director of Procurement, Stephen Badu, assumed office, has raised serious concerns about potential irregularities and a lack of due diligence. The swiftness of the transaction, coupled with allegations of bypassing established procurement procedures, has drawn comparisons to previous corruption scandals involving COCOBOD, specifically the case against former CEO Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni. Critics argue that the current situation mirrors past instances of mismanagement and potentially exceeds them in scale and severity.
Paragraph 2: Allegations of Bypassed Procedures and Hasty Payments
Beyond the substantial fertilizer payment, COCOBOD management faces accusations of widespread procurement infractions involving various items, including spraying machines, rechargeable lights, wellington boots, fertilizers, and insecticides. The Herald’s investigations suggest that established procurement protocols mandated by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) have been routinely disregarded, either through complete bypass or retroactive ratification. This disregard for due process raises concerns about transparency and potential for corruption. Furthermore, reports indicate a pattern of hurried payments, often preceding the delivery of goods, particularly as the current administration prepares to leave office. This haste suggests an attempt to finalize transactions before the incoming administration assumes control, potentially concealing irregularities and shielding those involved from scrutiny.
Paragraph 3: Key Figures Implicated and Defiance of Transition Team Directives
Several high-ranking COCOBOD officials are implicated in these controversial dealings, including Chief Executive Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance & Administration E. Ray Ankrah, and Director of Finance Peter Osei-Amoako. These individuals are alleged to have orchestrated or condoned the questionable transactions, including the substantial payment to Awo Henewah Limited. Crucially, these actions directly contravene directives issued by the transition team of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, which explicitly instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to halt last-minute recruitments, payments, and other significant decisions. COCOBOD’s blatant disregard for these directives further underscores the potential for malfeasance and a lack of accountability.
Paragraph 4: Political Patronage and Erosion of Meritocracy
In addition to financial irregularities, the current COCOBOD management is accused of prioritizing political patronage over merit in staffing decisions. Several appointments to key managerial positions within the organization have reportedly favored individuals affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), raising concerns about the politicization of COCOBOD and the potential erosion of professionalism and competence. These appointments are viewed as an attempt to consolidate political influence within the organization and potentially shield individuals from future scrutiny related to the alleged procurement infractions. This practice not only undermines the credibility of the institution but also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favoritism in future decision-making processes.
Paragraph 5: The Timeline of the US$13.125 Million Payment and Internal Pressure
The circumstances surrounding the US$13.125 million payment to Awo Henewah Limited for 250,000 bags of Asaase Hene Fertilizer reveal a concerning sequence of events. The payment request, submitted by Awo Henewah’s General Manager on December 9, 2024, and received by COCOBOD on December 11, 2024, coincided with Stephen Badu’s first day as Director of Procurement. The rapid processing of this request, facilitated by Mr. Badu and other procurement officials, suggests a pre-arranged agreement and undue haste. Furthermore, reports of internal pressure exerted on the Audit Department to expedite the payment further reinforce the suspicion of irregularities. This pressure, coupled with the fact that other suppliers remain unpaid for goods delivered over two years, paints a picture of preferential treatment and potential corruption.
Paragraph 6: The Incoming Administration’s Stance and Implications for Accountability
The Mahama transition team has issued a stern warning regarding these last-minute actions, vowing to reverse unauthorized payments, recruitments, and promotions. They have also pledged to hold responsible public officials accountable upon assuming office. This strong stance signals a commitment to transparency and accountability within government institutions and sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. The unfolding situation at COCOBOD serves as a critical test of governance and accountability in Ghana. The incoming administration’s response to these allegations will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for addressing potential corruption and mismanagement within public institutions. The outcome of this situation holds significant implications for public trust and the effectiveness of Ghana’s cocoa industry, a vital sector of the national economy.
