The Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana (GGAGG) has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama for the immediate removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey, popularly known as Randy Abbey, over what it describes as poor leadership and mismanagement at the institution.

In a formal petition, the group’s Executive Director, who also identifies as a concerned cocoa farmer representing “aggrieved cocoa farmers across the length and breadth of the country,” called for the CEO’s dismissal to protect the cocoa sector.

The petitioner argued that the request is intended to safeguard the industry, which remains a critical pillar of the national economy and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

The statement, however, commended President Mahama for what it described as his “hard work, servant leadership, and focus on solutions,” adding that improvements in economic indicators and the cost of living reflect positively on his administration.

Despite the praise for the President, the group expressed dissatisfaction with Dr Abbey’s leadership at COCOBOD, stating that his tenure has not met expectations.

According to the petition, the current management has been marked by “poor leadership choices; incompetence, arrogance, intimidation tactics, misaligned and or misplaced priorities, financial mismanagement, questionable renovations, resistance to change, undermining initiatives, and blocking operational improvements.”

The group further alleged that these challenges have negatively affected the operations of the cocoa sector and the welfare of farmers.

GGAGG is, therefore, urging the President to take swift action by removing Dr Abbey from office, insisting that such a step is necessary to restore confidence and improve management at COCOBOD.