Cocobod hits back

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has reacted to a publication in the media alleging irregularities at its subsidiary, Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC).

According to the company, publications by several newspapers were inaccurate.

It explained that the operations of Unicontrol, one of its departments, involve taking receipt, storage and loading of raw cocoa beans for export on behalf of CMC.

When cocoa arrives at the take-over centres, it is weighed in the presence of staff of CMC, Quality Control Company Ltd (QCCL) and Unicontrol before being sent for storage.

“Before shipment, the cocoa is weighed again in the presence of representatives of the above-mentioned companies, the foreign buying company as well as an agent of the shipping company.

“At the end of the season, reconciliation is done to ascertain whether the quantity of cocoa delivered to the company tallies with the quantity exported. Unicontrol company has never declared any losses in its operations.”

It said that all theft cases at the port have been thoroughly investigated by management, adding that staff found culpable had been sanctioned.

“Not long ago, 37 staff at the Takoradi Port were sacked for pilfering.”

The publication also alleged an illegal abrogation of insurance contract with SIC but COCOBOD said the trade required that commodity insurance should be undertaken by companies rated A-plus.

None of the local companies satisfied this requirement at the time and that was why an international company had to come in. As per the requirement however, the company that won the contract had to sub-let part to a local company, which Ghana Life Insurance Company (GLICO) won.

“The alleged malfeasance regarding the renovation of the CMC MD’s bungalow was reported to the SFO who investigated the issue and cleared management of any wrongdoing.

“Our policy on payment of emoluments to personnel working abroad (London office) is guided by the government’s policy on Foreign Service,” it further stated.

Local processing companies make formal requests to the CMC specifying quantities of cocoa they want to buy. Loading of the cocoa is then done in presence of staff of the buying company, CMC, QCCL and the transporter.

On arrival at the premises of the local buyer, the quantities are ascertained again to make sure there are no discrepancies in the quantity and quality of the produce delivered.

“We wish to add that CMC management, working in line with COCOBOD’s policy on employees, cherishes its staff and would not use denial of promotion, transfers and threat of dismissal to jeopardize the future of its employees.

“COCOBOD is doing everything possible to ensure that the cocoa sector is sustained to benefit all players, including staff.”