COCOBOD CEO’s branded birthday chocolates spark controversy

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD Fiifi Boafo, says a branded bar of chocolate in the image of his boss making the rounds on social media and other platforms was duly paid for, contrary to claims it was funded by the taxpayer.

As part of gifts for his 60th anniversary, branded chocolates were produced and handed out. The gesture has however created controversy, with questions being raised about the appropriateness of the brand.

There are claims over 500,000 bars of such chocolates were made by COCOBOD on instructions of the CEO, Joseph Boahen Aidoo for his 60th Birthday estimated at over 2 million Ghana cedis a claim Mr Boafo has discounted.

Prior to the 2016 elections, branded chocolates bearing images of former First Lady Lordina Mahama was heavily criticised by elements of the then opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who claimed the taxpayers money was used to print the products.

Not even a spirited defense from elements from government at the time would wash away the accusations.

Responding to similar accusations, Mr. Boafo said that cannot be put in the same league, because theirs was personally funded and invoiced from their end.

He said only 900 pieces were printed at a cost of GH¢2,912 inclusive of their 10% charge for the branding and shared to specific guests.

He said a similar thing was done to other corporate bodies and does not see anything wrong with it.

“As part of national consumption for cocoa products Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) is customising golden tree chocolates for occasions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals”, he disclosed.

He also dismissed accusations the taxpayer paid for the money to the tune of Ghc 1m. He says the figure is not only outrageous but those who are making the claim don’t know the “value of money”