COCOBOD workers deny Opuni investigation claim

Barely a week after the exit of former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Opuni, mother body for all unionised¶ workers in the cocoa industry has vehemently debunked a news publication purported to be the unions calling for the CEO to be investigated.

The Supreme Consultative Council (SCC) and Cocoa Industry Workers Union (CIWU) stated that the publication of such statement is actually alien to the mother body and there is the need to correct the falsehood being peddled around.

Indeed, on Monday, January 16, an Accra-based newspaper Daily Guide published headline, “Cocoa Workers Want Opuni Investigated”. According to the paper, unionised workers in the cocoa industry are calling for investigations into alleged dubious deals by the sacked CEO.

In addition, the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) and General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) alleged that the former COCOBOD CEO sold some of the cash crops and kept the proceeds.

Again, both Alhaji Idris Hassan and Dr. Opuni have been cited for conniving and looting the coffers of COCOBOD – where the former is alleged to have been awarded an illegal contract by COCOBOD management.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Chairman of Supreme Consultative Council, Alhaji Idris Hassan disclosed that the publication by Daily Guide as well as other accusations is blatant lies.

And that it is a calculated attempt to create disunity and confusion between the SCC and the incoming administration at COCOBOD.

He further denied claims by the ICU and GAWU, the mother body led by Alhaji Idris Hassan is leading a crusade of salary increment for about 45% in order to destabilise the new administration.

In conclusion, Alhaji Hassan remarked they are not a political body rather a union that seeks to act in the interest of workers. He pledged their preparedness to work in harmony with the incoming management.