Ghanaians Respond to the Appointment of Samuel Ofosu Ampofo as Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board

Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

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The new board is chaired by Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and includes key figures such as the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama; Chief Executive Randy Abbey; Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah; Vincent Oppong Asamoah; Deputy Minister for Trade, Samson Ahi; Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo; Alhaji Alhassan Bukari; Nana Charles Owusu and Eric Turkson.

The inauguration was chaired by Energy Minister John Jinapor, who also serves as the Alternate Minister for Finance. In his remarks, Hon. Jinapor congratulated the new board members but expressed grave concern over the current state of COCOBOD.

Mr. Ofosu Ampofo is a well-known figure in Ghana’s political space. His new role as head of COCOBOD places him in charge of one of the most important institutions in Ghana’s economy. COCOBOD is responsible for the management and promotion of cocoa, one of Ghana’s top export products.

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This appointment comes shortly after Mr. Ofosu Ampofo was named Policy Adviser on Political Affairs at the Office of the Vice President. That appointment was announced on January 28, 2025, in a statement signed by the Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The statement said that the people appointed to work with the Vice President are expected to help in the “Resetting Ghana Agenda.”

Other key people appointed to the Vice President’s office include Mr. Alex Segbefia as Chief of Staff, Maame Ama Pratt as Press Secretary, and several others handling important policy areas such as finance, economy, and the social sector.

Mr. Ofosu Ampofo has many years of experience in leadership and governance. He has served in different government roles, including as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development. His leadership at COCOBOD is expected to help improve the cocoa sector, support farmers, and increase Ghana’s cocoa production and revenue.

Many people believe his political and managerial experience will make him an effective leader at COCOBOD. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how he performs in this new position.

He urged members of the political class to lead by example by actively engaging in farming to inspire the youth.

Here are some reactions from Ghanaians