COCOBOD clarifies proposal to buy 15 keyboards at GH¢4,500 each

The Ghana Cocoa Board has responded to public concerns over a circulated memo suggesting a proposal to purchase 15 keyboards at the cost of GH¢4,500 each, stressing that the request was only a proposal and has not been approved or executed.

The matter came to public attention after a memo from COCOBOD’s Information Systems Department was widely shared on social media, listing the proposed acquisition of high-end keyboards for board use. The memo drew sharp criticism online, with commentators questioning why keyboards would carry such a high price tag and raising broader questions about procurement priorities in an organisation already under pressure to support farmers and manage tight finances.

In an official clarification, COCOBOD’s Public Affairs Department made it clear that no procurement transactions have taken place and that management has not sanctioned the purchase. The keyboards were suggested as part of an effort to enhance productivity and support the adoption of digital tools during board meetings, as the board reportedly intends to use a digital collaboration platform requiring external keyboards for tablets.

The board’s statement emphasised that the proposal was linked to plans to reduce the use of paper and stationery and improve efficiency among directors, but stressed that approval and funding have not been granted. COCOBOD urged members of the public and stakeholders to note the distinction between a proposal and an approved purchase.

The clarification comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over COCOBOD’s financial management, as the organisation continues to navigate challenges such as delayed payments to farmers and evolving financing models for cocoa purchases. Critics of the proposal argue that any potential procurement should be carefully weighed against pressing sector needs, including support for farmers and industry sustainability.

COCOBOD’s response aims to reassure the public that proper procedures are being followed and that expenditure decisions will be aligned with the board’s mandate and financial priorities.