By Ashiadey Dotse
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, says Cabinet has approved the immediate transfer of cocoa road liabilities worth GH¢4.35 billion from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance.
Addressing the media in Accra on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Dr. Forson explained that the decision is part of government efforts to restructure COCOBOD’s financial commitments and reduce its growing debt burden.
He said a review of cocoa road contracts awarded over the past decade showed that between 2014 and 2024, COCOBOD awarded contracts valued at GH¢26.5 billion, with GH¢21.5 billion committed between 2018 and 2021.
According to Dr. Forson, under Ghana’s 2023 IMF programme, COCOBOD was expected to reduce its road contract exposure from GH¢21.7 billion to GH¢6.9 billion. However, he noted that the previous board and management failed to carry out the required rationalisation exercise.
The Finance Minister said the exercise has now been completed under the supervision of the Ministries of Finance and Roads and Highways, leading to a significant reduction in COCOBOD’s road liabilities to GH¢4.35 billion.
He added that Cabinet has therefore directed that, with immediate effect, the outstanding road debts be transferred to the two ministries.
Dr. Forson said the move will help stabilise COCOBOD’s finances and support ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s cocoa sector.
