COCOBOD Denies Allegations Against CEO Dr. Randy Abbey Over Farm Visit Conduct
Sam Jerome, Head of Corporate Communications at COCOBOD, has firmly denied recent allegations against CEO Dr. Randy Abbey, dismissing claims that he carried a leather chair during farm visits as “false and baseless.”
The controversy stems from comments made by Dennis Miracles Aboagye on Channel One TV, where he alleged that Dr. Abbey was confronted by farmers over unmet promises regarding cocoa prices. According to Aboagye, farmers claimed Abbey had assured them of GHC6,000 per bag, but only GHC3,000 was being offered. Aboagye also claimed that Abbey acknowledged internal issues within COCOBOD.
Responding to these assertions, Jerome categorically denied the claims, particularly the one involving the leather chair. He stressed that Dr. Abbey is not related to President Akufo-Addo, dismissing the idea that he inherits any tradition or privilege that would involve carrying such a chair on official duties.
“Why would anyone accuse him of trying to dominate farmers? That’s a serious distortion,” Jerome stated. He further challenged critics to speak directly with farmers from the six regions they toured, insisting that no such behavior occurred during any of the visits.
Jerome criticized Aboagye for spreading misinformation, urging the public and commentators to shift their focus toward constructive dialogue on cocoa pricing, rather than indulging in unfounded accusations.
“The real issue is the price of cocoa and how we can work together to support farmers—not creating distractions with baseless claims,” he emphasized.
