The government has instructed the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, to undertake a comprehensive forensic and criminal investigation into the financial management and operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over the past eight years.

The directive was announced on Thursday, February 12, by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, during a press briefing outlining measures to stabilise Ghana’s cocoa sector amid mounting economic and operational challenges.

According to Dr Forson, Cabinet approved the decision as part of broader efforts to deepen transparency, strengthen accountability, and restore confidence in the management of the cocoa industry.

“To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector as a whole, Cabinet has directed the Attorney General to commission concurrent forensic and criminal investigations into the activities of COCOBOD over the last eight years,” he stated.

The move follows an emergency meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, February 11, in response to growing concerns about the financial health of COCOBOD and the sustainability of the cocoa value chain.

Government sources say the investigations will examine procurement practices, debt accumulation, loan agreements, and overall financial governance within the institution, with the aim of identifying any irregularities and holding culpable officials accountable.

The probe is expected to run alongside sweeping structural and financial reforms targeted at restoring COCOBOD’s stability and protecting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide.

In recent months, the cocoa sector has come under intense pressure, particularly due to delays in payments to farmers, sparking anxiety among stakeholders and raising questions about Ghana’s ability to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.

Dr Forson assured farmers and industry players that government remains committed to safeguarding the sector and ensuring that reforms lead to improved efficiency, timely payments, and long-term sustainability.

Further details on the scope, timeline, and implementation of the investigations are expected to be announced in the coming days.