The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has officially tendered his resignation from his position, effective January 7, 2025. This decision comes in response to a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama on January 13, 2025, instructing all State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) board members to step down.
In his resignation letter addressed to the President, Aidoo cited his desire to ensure a smooth transition for his successor as the reason for stepping down earlier than his scheduled end date in July 2025, as stipulated by the COCOBOD Law (PNDCL 81).
“I hereby tender my resignation as Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board, effective 7th January 2025…While my renewed appointment under the COCOBOD Law, 1984 (PNDCL 81) was set to conclude in July 2025, I have chosen to step aside earlier to ensure a smooth transition and enable stakeholders and business partners to establish timely connections with the incoming head of the institution,” Aidoo expressed in his letter.
Furthermore, Aidoo expressed his gratitude to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve as COCOBOD CEO for the past eight years. He pledged his continued commitment to the advancement of Ghana’s cocoa sector and offered his support for any necessary transition processes.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to former President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, and the good people of Ghana for granting me the rare privilege to serve our beloved nation as Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board for the past eight years. I remain committed to the advancement of Ghana’s cocoa sector and stand ready to support any transition processes that may be required,” Aidoo stated.
The resignation of Aidoo as COCOBOD CEO marks the end of his tenure in the role, and he has expressed his willingness to assist in ensuring a seamless handover to his successor. His resignation letter, along with his sentiments of gratitude and commitment to the cocoa sector, signals a respectful and professional departure from his position.
Overall, Aidoo’s resignation represents a significant change in leadership within the Ghana Cocoa Board, and stakeholders will now await the appointment of a new CEO to lead the organization into the future. The legacy of Aidoo’s tenure and his dedication to the cocoa industry will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector.