Accra, Feb 18, – Minister of Roads and Highways Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza has linked Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)'s acute financial distress to 266 cocoa road contracts worth GH¢23 billion awarded during the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
"The sheer magnitude compelled COCOBOD to divert massive funds into construction materials procurement," Agbodza told Parliament Wednesday, responding to questions on value-for-money audits and programme status. "This crippled their cashflow."
2017 Suspension Backlash
The Minister highlighted how 2017 cocoa roads suspension devastated producing communities:
*Deteriorating farm tracks isolated farmers
*Halted contracts wasted advance payments
*Value chain disruptions hit evacuation
*Market women hardships escalated transport costs
Government Intervention
"All 266 cocoa roads now ceded to Ministry of Roads and Highways," Agbodza announced, transferring oversight to Urban and Feeder Roads Departments for completion under unified fiscal discipline.
"Comprehensive programme review underway for efficiency and sustainability," he stressed, signalling audits of contractor performance, material cost verification, and realistic completion timelines.
The disclosure coincides with cocoa producer price slashing (GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag), amplifying COCOBOD's liquidity crunch amid global price volatility and processing mandates.
GHBUSS
18 Feb 2026
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