COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey marks May Day with cocoa farmers; calls for stricter laws to protect cocoa trees
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, has marked International Labour Day with cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter legislation to protect cocoa trees from illegal miners and chainsaw operators.
Thousands of cocoa trees have been lost to these activities, threatening the very existence of the cocoa sector.
Dr. Abbey noted that existing laws protecting cocoa trees are not punitive enough, emboldening illegal miners and chainsaw operators to cut down cocoa trees.
He assured farmers that his administration will work to stop the illicit cutting of cocoa trees and collaborate with them for effective management of the sector.
According to Dr. Abbey, COCOBOD is liaising with the Office of the Attorney General and Parliament to propose laws that will protect cocoa trees.
He emphasized that cocoa has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy for over 100 years and deserves the necessary attention and legislation.
The CEO urged farmers to work closely with COCOBOD to address the challenges facing the sector.
He also assured them that President Mahama has instructed him to reset the sector and that he will manage it with prudence.
Dr. Abbey’s call for stricter laws aims to safeguard the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry and ensure its continued contribution to the country’s economy.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng, Kumai
