On January 21, 2025, the President, through his secretary Callistus Mahama, announced Dr. Randy Abbey's appointment.
The letter stated that the appointment was made in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 12(2) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984 (P.N.D.C.L 81).
His appointment, which took effect immediately on the day it was announced, has received a negative reception from a section of the public—an unusual response, given the general satisfaction and acceptance of the president’s other recent appointments.
Some critics, who appear unimpressed with the appointment of the new COCOBOD CEO, have raised questions about the criteria and qualifications considered for the position.
They argue that the institution, currently facing challenges such as declining production, smuggling, and pricing concerns, requires bold and decisive solutions—issues stakeholders believe demand a leader with specific expertise and experience.
Other critics have also pointed to Dr Abbey’s tenure with the Ghana Football Association, citing its lack of progress in advancing the country’s football success. They have concluded that, based on this, his appointment to the COCOBOD is undeserving.
Despite the negative reactions, many have expressed their support for his appointment, conveying optimism and confidence that he will excel in the role.
Read some of the reactions below:
Randy Abbey who failed abysmally at the GFA has been appointed as the CEO of one of the biggest export commodity of the country.
— Ahenkan 💙 (@DjoletoT) January 21, 2025
What result are we bound to expect.
I know SOEs are not mainly run for the purpose of profit generation but come on. We need to do better when it comes to appointing CEOs for such institutions. They at least need to know what tf it’s about and have some experience. It’s getting ridiculous at this point.
— Andy (@kkwesi_) January 21, 2025
Randy Abbey paa deɛ, then bring Opuni back. He was good to his workers, He had workers wellbeing at heart.
— Eno Adwoa (@Nana20b) January 21, 2025
No disrespect to Dr. Randy Abbey but as a President, if my country's No.1 export product has plummeted to its lowest point in two decades, with production levels standing at a concerning 530,000 metric tonnes, I don't think Randy Abbey will be my best call to revamp that sector. pic.twitter.com/pYVBShvPtt
— Tutankhamun. (@Obiba_) January 21, 2025
A Media Professional as CEO of COCOBOD. A very complicated and specialised sector that is already making huge losses.
— Benjamin Kesse (@Nana_kesse1) January 21, 2025
For JM’s sake, I hope it pans out well cos if things don’t go well there the CSOs go eat him alive with criticism. Randy Abbey will need all the prayers.
eeiiii randy abbey?
— 𝐫i𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 (@dvncvn_) January 21, 2025
I am not too convinced about Randy Abbey as Cocoa Board CEO. We know him as a journalist and a sports person…how qualified is he to manage such an important agency? We dey watch!
— Albert Nat Hyde ™ (@1BongoIdeas) January 21, 2025
Dr. Opuni was a Cocoa farmer, Likewise Joseph Boahen Aidoo. What experience does Randy Abbey have about Cocoa??, Cocobod???? Leave Cocobod alone... We need an experienced CEO#Cocobod
— Eno Adwoa (@Nana20b) January 21, 2025
Dr Randy Abbey of Metro TV Ghana, too, Sorted.
— Abdul Rauf Ibrahim (@AbdulRaufIbra20) January 21, 2025
Settlement over competence.
Cry for Mother Ghana 🇬🇭 😢 💔
Randy Abbey? Cocoabod?
— kwabena🇬🇭 (@agyenim_boaten) January 21, 2025
Is there something I (we) don’t know
I don’t love Randy Abbey to COCOBOD. That place needs an experienced hand at the helm of affairs!! What are we doing?
— JM2024 (@yesterdaywasli1) January 21, 2025
Dr Randy Abbey as Cocobod C.E.O ?
— Yaw Areme 💎 (@1Yasco) January 21, 2025
I can’t question his abilities and competence, but I didn’t see this appointment coming.
Heavy disappointed in the Randy Abbey appointment.
— KEANO (@SwaggyDaOg) January 21, 2025
We are about to get knocked off by Ecuador on the cocoa producer list and we appoint someone with no expertise in the field to head the parastatal that handles cocoa?
👨🏾🍳🇬🇭: Be like the Randy Abbey - COCOBOD transfer news no really dey sit down well with some NDC faithfuls. Be like more of them didn’t see that coming. Ɛnyɛ zu anaa?
— Ölele | Building OSN (@OleleSalvador) January 21, 2025
