Government Launches Forensic Probe into COCOBOD's Finances Amidst Sector Turmoil

Dr. Ato Forson, Minister of Finance 

Government has ordered a comprehensive forensic audit into the finances and operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) spanning the past eight years. 

The directive, issued to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine, follows an emergency conclave convened by President John Dramani Mahama to address the sector's burgeoning crisis.

"To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector as a whole, cabinet also directed the Attorney General to commission concurrent forensic and criminal investigation into the activities of COCOBOD over the last eight years," Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced.

This sweeping investigation will run concurrently with far-reaching structural reforms aimed at resuscitating COCOBOD's financial fortunes and safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide. 

The sector has been reeling under the weight of delayed payments to farmers, sparking widespread concerns about Ghana's long-term status as a premier cocoa producer.

By: Lawrence Odoom (Phalonzy)

Gleeful Ekumfi Youths Pledge Unwavering Support for MP

Some youths of Ekumfi in the Central Region have expressed deep appreciation for the performance of the Member of Parliament for the Ekumfi Constituency, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, barely a year into his tenure, pledging their sustained support for his leadership and development agenda.

The show of support was made public on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when a seven-member delegation of Korean investors from Hwaseong arrived in Ekumfi for engagements on business and investment opportunities spanning healthcare, education, agribusiness, and other priority sectors.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Louis Biney, one of the youth leaders, noted that although Ekumfi once produced a President of the Republic between 2009 and 2012, the constituency could not fully benefit from the expected level of development due to the untimely demise of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. He described it as refreshing that, within just one year in office, Hon. Dr. Kwainoe has begun to position Ekumfi on a visible development path.

According to him, the presence of foreign investors in the constituency is a clear testament to the MP’s proactive leadership. He stressed that the youth are determined to support Hon. Dr. Kwainoe for as long as he remains active in politics.

He further described the MP’s performance as extraordinary, citing his commitment to opening Ekumfi to investment and economic opportunities.

Another youth, Richardson Biney, popularly known as Olobo, added his voice, stating that if Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe is unable to transform Ekumfi, then it would be difficult for any future leader to do so, given the level of effort and vision currently being demonstrated.

The Deputy Communications Officer of the NDC in the Ekumfi Constituency, Mr. Richard Bright Arthur, also expressed excitement over the MP’s performance, revealing that Hon. Dr. Kwainoe has hinted at bringing another group of investors from the United States of America within the year.

The Korean delegation, led by Mr. Young Tae Choi, expressed satisfaction with the warm reception and hospitality extended to them by the people of Ekumfi. He indicated the delegation’s readiness to invest, citing the preparedness and cooperation of the Omanhen, Odeefo Akyen VIII; the District Chief Executive, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah; and the MP, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, particularly in providing land and the needed support to ensure project success.

Revealing initial plans, Hon. Dr. Kwainoe disclosed that the investors intend to begin with salt mining and production, a move expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people of Ekumfi and significantly boost the local economy.

The MP therefore appealed to all stakeholders to rally behind the collective vision for a better and more prosperous Ekumfi, emphasising that unity and support remain critical to sustaining development.

“Ekumfi Is Ready for Business” — Odeefo Akyen VIII Declares as Korean Investors Pay Courtesy Call

Ekumfi has taken a bold step onto the global investment stage as the Omanhene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Odeefo Akyen VIII, declared the district open and ready for investment following a royal courtesy call by a delegation of Korean investors.

The visit forms part of an investment mission to Ekumfi led by the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, aimed at showcasing the district’s economic strengths and positioning it as a viable destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Welcoming the delegation at his palace, Odeefo Akyen VIII assured the investors of the full support of the Ekumfi Traditional Council, particularly in areas such as land access, community engagement, and peaceful coexistence. He emphasised that Ekumfi offers a stable and receptive environment for investors who are committed to responsible and sustainable development.

Ekumfi is open for investment. We are prepared to work with partners who respect our people and contribute meaningfully to our development,” the Omanhene stated.

The Korean investors are in Ghana at the invitation of Hon. Dr. Kwainoe and are undertaking a series of engagements and site visits designed to highlight Ekumfi’s development potential in line with Ghana’s broader industrialisation and value-addition agenda.

During their stay in the district, the delegation is touring key social and economic infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, farms, agribusiness sites, and the Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Company, to explore opportunities in agro-processing, healthcare delivery, education support, and related value-added sectors.

A key component of the visit is the anticipated signing of Sister Towns Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which are expected to promote long-term cooperation in areas such as trade, technology transfer, skills development, cultural exchange, and local economic growth.

The investors are also engaging local authorities, business leaders, and community stakeholders to explore potential joint ventures and collaborative investment models.

The visit is widely seen as a strong endorsement of Ekumfi’s investment prospects and Ghana’s stable, business-friendly environment, with expectations that it will pave the way for concrete investments that drive local development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Key personalities in attendance are the District Chief Executive of the Ekumfi District Assembly, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah and his Presiding Member, Hon. Kow Kakra Nketsia-Richardson, Executive of the National Democratic Congress including Alhaji Joseph Antobam, Nurdeen Otoo, Gideon Acquah, Suraj Umar, Erskine Ntsiful and Richard Bright Arthur as well as party faithful.