COCOBOD Refutes GH¢12m Black Stars Sponsorship Allegations
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has firmly rejected reports alleging that it sponsored the Ghana national football team with a GH¢12 million contribution.
In a public statement, the Board described claims that it had redirected funds intended for cocoa farmers to support the national team as “false, misleading, and without any factual basis.” The clarification follows circulating reports suggesting that COCOBOD had diverted critical financial resources away from its core responsibilities to fund activities related to the Black Stars.
COCOBOD categorically denied the allegations, stressing that at no time has it provided sponsorship to the senior national football team or reallocated monies earmarked for cocoa farmers for such purposes. The Board emphasised that funds designated for farmer payments and cocoa sector operations remain strictly committed to those objectives.
The statement underscored COCOBOD’s continued dedication to its statutory mandate, which prioritises the welfare and economic well-being of cocoa farmers across the country. According to the Board, its primary focus remains the prompt payment for cocoa purchases, the consistent supply of farm inputs, the delivery of extension services, and sustained investment aimed at strengthening Ghana’s cocoa industry.
COCOBOD further urged the public to treat the reports with caution and disregard unverified claims circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms. It advised stakeholders and citizens to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate and credible information regarding its operations and financial decisions.
The clarification comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over funding allocations for national initiatives and state institutions. COCOBOD said it considers transparency and accountability central to its operations and remains committed to protecting the interests of cocoa farmers.
By issuing the statement, the Board sought to reassure farmers, industry players, and the general public that resources under its management are being used responsibly and in line with its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s cocoa sector.
