The newly elected President, Nana Akufo-Addo has sacked the head of cocoa industry regulator Cocobod, Stephen Opuni on Friday, January 13, 2017, following his pledge to restore Ghana’s economy to double-digit growth on assuming office.
According to an official letter made available to the media, the president specifically asked him to vacate his office by close of business – not later than Friday.
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“In view of the urgency attached to this matter please ensure that you handover and cease to act as chief executive of Ghana Cocoa Board not later than 5 p.m. on January 13, 2017,” it said.
President Akufo-Addo, who was sworn in on Saturday, January 7, 2017, declared that being a Ghanaian must come with a code of conduct.
Dr. Opuni, an orthopedic surgeon, was appointed three years ago by former President Mahama and since then, there have been concerns that Cocobod lacked transparency under his leadership.
Our correspondents report said that shortly after his dismissal, some NDC members took to social media to express their joy over the news. They contend that the man is arrogant and corrupt.
Deputy Volta regional NDC Secretary, Mustapha Gbande openly expressed his excitement over the news and further called on President Akufo- Addo to not just sack the Chief Executive of Cocobod, but to also investigate and prosecute him if possible.
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“Don’t just sack Dr opuni, investigate and prosecute him if neccessary. Nana Addo I love you for this decision . At least after this ,if you don’t do anything for the rest of the three years as president Ghanaians will be happy with you ,” Gbande posted on his Facebook page Friday.
The country is regarded as the world’s second largest producers of cocoa, after Ivory Coast and is hoping to expand the product up to 850,000-900.000 tonnes in the 2016-17 crop year.
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