Charles McCarthy, the Managing Director of The Hawk Newspaper, has alleged that COCOBOD, under CEO Dr Randy Abbey, has purchased 150 new cars at a time when Cocoa farmers are crying for payment.
According to Charles McCarthy, his insider information reveals that COCOBOD is undergoing questionable renovations without value for money.
He further alleged that COCOBOD has purchased 150 new cars, which can be found at their office.
Charles McCarthy, speaking on Adom FM, with Omanhene challenged him to send their cameras to the COCOBOD office to see for themselves.
Speaking on Adom FM, Charles McCarthy stated, “What I am saying is insider information, incontrovertible one that is why I have given you an example. They are even doing questionable renovations without value for money as we speak, as cocoa farmers are wailing over the non-payment of their cocoa pods. This is not the time.
Today, go to COCOBOD. You can send your team to the COCOBOD office, they have purchased 150 brand new cars. We cannot hide it; send your people to go. They have bought the cars as for what they are going to use them for I don’t know. But there are 150 cars at their premises. If you like, send your TV cameras there, they will get videos for you”.
Charles McCarthy’s allegation comes at a time when the president of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has threatened a demonstration over unpaid COCOBOD arrears.
According to him, Cocoa farmers across the country will hit the streets to demonstrate starting from next week if the COCOBOD CEO, Dr Randy Abbey, fails to pay them.
Francis Teinor cried out that Cocoa farmers have been plunged into severe financial hardship, which is now affecting their basic needs and homes.
Speaking to Citi News, President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, stated, “It is really affecting farmers; some are sick and want to seek medication, but they don’t have money to go to the hospital. Do you want them to die? School has reopened, and parents want to pay fees.
“We cannot also keep the cocoa because farmers don’t have the storage facilities.
“As I speak, it’s been about six weeks, no money for cocoa farmers. This is seriously affecting the sector. If the COCOBOD CEO does not do anything about it, he should expect something ugly from next week. Farmers are not happy; if he is not careful, we will be on the streets next week,” he said.
Also, the President of the Ghana National Association of Cocoa Farmers (GNACOF), Stevenson Anane Boateng, has revealed that cocoa farmers have not been paid for their produce purchased by the government since November 2025.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Stevenson Anane Boateng explained, “The government is buying our cocoa but has refused to pay us. Since November, we have not been paid. They accept the cocoa, but they don’t pay us”.
When asked what might have caused the delay, he responded: “We don’t know. We are not part of the government, so please, you need to ask them why they have refused to pay cocoa farmers. This is troubling, and we want the government to address our concerns.”
Meanwhile, the Minority has called on the Mahama government to immediately pay Cocoa farmers, as they are not beggars.
According to the minority, COCOBOD currently owes LBCs more than GH¢10 billion for cocoa taken over, leaving the companies financially constrained.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Thursday, February, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Isaac Yaw Opoku stated, “As a result, farmers are being forced to sell their cocoa on credit, at heavy discounts, or return home with their produce unsold”.
“The reality is that farmers have not been paid for cocoa sold to the Mahama-led NDC government since November last year,” he stated.
“Cocoa farmers are not beggars. Paying them on time is an obligation,” Mr Opoku stressed.
Watch the video below:
Randy Abbey’s COCOBOD has bought 150 new cars while farmers are wailing over non purchase of cocoa pods.
— Mr Irish (@MrIrish3) February 5, 2026
– Charles McCarthy (MD, The Hawk Newspaper) pic.twitter.com/zLMehKmBGj