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), a move that signals renewed leadership for one of the country’s most critical export industries.
The new board, chaired by Mr. Ofosu Ampofo, includes several prominent figures from government and finance. Notable members are Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, and COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey. Other members include Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Deputy Trade Minister Samson Ahi, Deputy Agriculture Minister John Dumelo, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, Nana Charles Owusu, and Eric Turkson.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Energy Minister John Jinapor, who also serves as Alternate Minister for Finance. In his address, Mr. Jinapor congratulated the new board members but expressed concerns about COCOBOD’s current challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgent reforms.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo, a veteran in Ghanaian politics, brings a wealth of experience in governance. He previously served as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and was recently appointed as Policy Adviser on Political Affairs at the Office of the Vice President—a role announced in January 2025 as part of efforts to advance the “Resetting Ghana Agenda.”
This strategic role complements his new leadership at COCOBOD, where he is expected to focus on revitalizing the cocoa sector, increasing production, and improving conditions for cocoa farmers across the country.
The Vice President’s office also recently named Mr. Alex Segbefia as Chief of Staff and Maame Ama Pratt as Press Secretary, with other experts assigned to key areas such as finance, economics, and social policy.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo has urged policymakers to take a more active role in promoting agriculture, especially cocoa farming, to inspire the youth and support national development goals.
Many people who saw this were amazed as they reacted vigorously while others gave their thoughts and opinions.
Public expectations are high, with many Ghanaians hopeful that his political and managerial background will lead to meaningful progress in the cocoa industry.
