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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the Cocoa Board Bill, describing its passage by Parliament as rushed and raising concerns over the implications of the legislation.
The party argues that the process leading to the approval of the bill lacked adequate consultation with key stakeholders in the cocoa sector, including farmers and industry players.
According to the NPP, any major reform affecting the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) must be subjected to thorough scrutiny to protect the interests of cocoa farmers and safeguard the country’s cocoa industry.
The party has therefore appealed to President Mahama to withhold his assent and return the bill to Parliament for further consideration.
The call follows the passage of the Cocoa Board Bill by Parliament, which seeks to introduce changes to the operations and governance structure of COCOBOD.
Government supporters, however, have defended the legislation, arguing that the reforms are necessary to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The President is now expected to decide whether to assent to the bill or refer it back for further review.
Story by Efua Nessa