Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Office of the President, has described alleged mismanagement at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) under the previous administration as “crimes against humanity” and thrown his weight behind calls for the prosecution of those responsible.
Dr Otokunor made the remarks during an interview with JoyNews following engagements with cocoa farmers in the Western Region. Many of these farmers have not received payments for their produce since November 2025, fuelling widespread frustration in cocoa-growing communities.
“I agree with the Chief who said that they must be prosecuted,” Dr Otokunor stated. “Indeed, such levels of crime are crimes against humanity and must not be left to stand.”
His comments highlight the growing anger over delayed payments and what has been described as financial mismanagement at COCOBOD. The Alliance for Western North Farmers has escalated demands beyond a mere inquiry, pushing for the arrest and prosecution of officials accused of mishandling public funds during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Dr Otokunor revealed that the Attorney General’s office is conducting an investigation into COCOBOD activities, pursuant to a Cabinet directive issued on February 12, 2026. The probe covers the Board’s operations over the past eight years and is being conducted alongside a forensic audit of its finances and overall management.
When directly asked whether he could confirm mismanagement by the previous administration, Dr Otokunor responded unequivocally: “Oh yes.”