Rejoinder: Clarifying the Record on Cocoa Financing Reform – Dr Bryan Acheampong

Rejoinder: Clarifying the Record on Cocoa Financing Reform - Dr Bryan Acheampong

The Bryan Acheampong Communications Directorate has taken note of an article published on MyJoyOnline alleging that Hon. Bryan Acheampong is claiming undue credit for Ghana’s new
cocoa financing model. We respectfully submit this rejoinder to clarify the facts, affirm institutional roles, and uphold the integrity of public discourse.

Policy Action, Not Speculation

It is a matter of public record that the syndicated cocoa loan, used for decades to pre-finance Ghana’s cocoa purchases, was officially cancelled during Hon. Bryan Acheampong’s tenure as Minister for Food and Agriculture. This was not a theoretical proposal or pilot initiative. It was a full Cabinet-approved policy shift, publicly announced and operationalised under his leadership.

The recent confirmation by COCOBOD that over $4 billion in deposits have been received from international buyers is a direct outcome of this decision. International buyers advance over $4bn for Ghana’s cocoa purchase

Ghana now self-finances its cocoa operations, saving billions in interest payments and reducing pressure on the cedi. These are tangible, measurable gains.

Clarifying Institutional Roles

We wish to respectfully remind the public that CEOs of COCOBOD do not sit in Cabinet and are not responsible for national policy formulation. Their role is to implement decisions approved by the Cabinet and led by the Minister of Agriculture. The cancellation of the syndicated loan was a Cabinet-level policy action, presented and defended by Hon. Bryan Acheampong.

While we acknowledge the contributions of various stakeholders over the years, including past CEOs, financial advisors, and technical consultants, the final authority to approve, present, and execute such a policy rests with the Minister. Bryan Acheampong fulfilled that role with clarity and courage.

Leadership Is Measured by Execution

Leadership is measured by actionable results. It should be questioned if the model existed prior to 2023; why was it not implemented between 2017 and 2023? It took Bryan Acheampong’s bold decision to move Ghana away from a decades-old dependency on foreign loans and toward financial sovereignty.

Under his leadership, cocoa producer prices rose from GH₵800 in 2022/23 to GH₵3,100 in 2024/25—a 278% increase. This is not rhetoric. It is impact.

Commitment to Unity and Clean Campaigning

As the New Patriotic Party prepares to elect its next flagbearer, we welcome healthy debate and constructive critique. However, we caution against attempts to distort timelines or diminish the role of those who took real risks to deliver real results.

Hon. Dr Bryan Acheampong remains committed to a clean, respectful, and issue-based campaign that unites our party, honours truth, and focuses on delivering real solutions for the Ghanaian people.

We thank you for the opportunity to clarify the record and reaffirm our commitment to healthy principled dialogue.

Signed,
Bryan Acheampong Communications Directorate
September 22, 2025

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