COCOBOD reschedules syndication over COVID-19 – CEO

Officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have, since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana, been partaking in international conferences with partners through technology, hence syndication will not be affected by the outbreak of the pandemic, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer has said.

There were fears the syndication may not happen following the coronavirus outbreak which is devastating the global economy.

But Mr Boahen Aidoo assured stakeholders that players in the cocoa sector are working through the use of modern technology in spite of the pandemic hence no need to panic.

He also disclosed that the timing of the cocoa syndication has changed but not cancelled entirely.

Mr Boahen Aidoo told TV3 in an interview on Thursday April 9 that : “There have been some meetings outside Ghana that because of the COVID-19 pandemic we cannot travel to take part but we are doing conference calls to take part.”

He added : “We are also rescheduling the programme of syndication. The timing may delay but again but it will not mean that we cannot have syndication at all. Definitely syndication will take place.”

He also said the COVID-19 will not have serious impact on production in the 2021 crop season because COCOBOD is in full operation despite the outbreak.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that the services that will go to our cocoa farmers are delivered and we are doing so with all our allied agencies.

“Nothing is halting our operations and let me also assure our farmers that purchasing of cocoa is also not stopped.”

COCOBOD is targeting one million metric tons for the 2021 season.