Former Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, has described the recent salary cuts announced by COCOBOD management as a public relations stunt rather than a genuine effort to share in the sacrifices facing cocoa farmers.
Speaking on ABC Midday News, Mr. Boafo questioned the timing and sincerity of the decision, arguing that it was reactionary and influenced by public pressure.
According to him, if the salary reduction had been driven by genuine concern and internal reform, it would have been implemented long before government announced a 28 per cent reduction in farmers’ income.
“If it was genuine, that decision would have been taken even before government’s decision to announce the cut in the farmers’ income,” he stated.
He maintained that the announcement only came after growing calls from sections of the public for a reduction in the salaries of COCOBOD executives and staff.
“It came after people had called for reduction in salary of COCOBOD staff, so it’s not genuine,” he stressed.
COCOBOD management recently announced a 20 per cent salary cut for the Chief Executive and top officials, while other staff members are to take a 10 per cent reduction. The move was presented as part of measures to cushion the impact of the 28 per cent income reduction affecting cocoa farmers.
However, Mr. Boafo argued that the disparity in the percentage cuts shows that farmers continue to bear the greater burden.
“Why would COCOBOD chief executive and his management decide to cut their salaries by 20% at a time the farmer’s income has been reduced by 28%, it still means farmers are still suffering more than the COCOBOD executives and staff” he said.
He further emphasized that while staff salaries are being reduced by 10 per cent, farmers are experiencing a significantly higher 28 per cent cut, describing the situation as inequitable.
“The staff salary is reduced by 10 per cent but the farmers are experiencing 28 per cent,” he added.
The comments have intensified discussions within Ghana’s cocoa sector, with stakeholders weighing whether the announced salary cuts reflect meaningful reform or a symbolic gesture in response to mounting public criticism.
