Listowel Nana Poku, a leading member of Arise Ghana, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to sack Dr Randy Abbey from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Mr Poku warned that if Dr Abbey is not removed, his leadership could potentially undermine the government.
According to Poku, the renowned football administrator and broadcaster has exhibited high levels of incompetence since his appointment. He described the decision to place Dr Abbey at the helm of COCOBOD as a “terrible mistake” by President Mahama—one that can only be rectified through his dismissal.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Poku highlighted the growing unrest among cocoa farmers due to unpaid dues, noting that COCOBOD has failed to take meaningful steps to resolve the crisis.
“Right Person, Wrong Sector”
Listowell Nana Poku argued that while Dr Abbey is highly skilled in sports management, those skills have not translated to the cocoa sector. He suggested that Abbey would have excelled in a football-related role, but the COCOBOD appointment was a fundamental mismatch.
Beyond professional performance, Poku accused Dr Abbey of letting his ego interfere with his duties, alleging that he frequently clashes with critics of his leadership style.
“Cocoa farmers have not been paid; there are challenges confronting the sector, with Randy having no clue how to address them, and yet the government has refused to sack him under the guise of him managing the board. I don’t hate Randy Abbey. He is my brother, but if you are my father and you are incompetent, I will come after you because his incompetence can destroy this country. He is an exceptional football administrator, but he lacks what it takes to manage issues about cocoa.”
He continued: “I am not surprised about what is happening. I will also not stop criticising him because Randy Abbey should have known better. To have a doctorate at that pedigree, you should know how to manage, but his ego will not allow him. His smelly pride and egoistic behaviour are making him fail at a fast speed. The president who appointed him is a humble man, and yet, he is rude and fighting his workers. How can you progress or succeed? If President Mahama wants cocoa affairs to succeed, he must fire him.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
