The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has cleared the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey, of allegations related to asset declaration and conflict of interest.
The decision follows a complaint that questioned whether the COCOBOD boss had failed to comply with constitutional requirements regarding the declaration of assets after assuming office. After reviewing the petition and conducting investigations, CHRAJ concluded that the claims lacked merit.
According to findings released by the commission, Dr Abbey was appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD on January 21, 2025, after which he fulfilled the legal requirement by submitting his asset declaration within the stipulated period. The investigation determined that there was no violation of the rules governing public officials.
The complaint had raised concerns about whether the COCOBOD CEO had properly disclosed his assets upon assuming the leadership position at the state institution responsible for regulating Ghana’s cocoa industry. However, CHRAJ stated that its review of the evidence showed that the appropriate procedures had been followed.
As a result, the commission dismissed the complaint and declared that there was no basis to pursue further action against the COCOBOD boss.
The ruling effectively ends the controversy surrounding the matter, which had attracted attention from political figures and industry observers following the filing of the petition.
COCOBOD plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy as the state agency responsible for regulating the cocoa sector, supporting production, and managing the marketing of the country’s cocoa beans.
With the case now dismissed, the commission’s decision clears Dr Abbey to continue his work at the helm of the cocoa regulator without any pending allegations related to the complaint.
