An internal human resource review is set to be carried out at the Ghana Cocoa Board to verify the exact number of employees on its payroll and evaluate their roles within the organisation.
The exercise will determine whether the workforce indeed exceeds 10,000 and assess if staff are properly aligned with their respective responsibilities.
The Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Sam, said the move forms part of broader efforts by the Chief Executive Officer, Randy Abbey, to revitalise the struggling cocoa sector he inherited.
According to him, the focus goes beyond figures, stressing that if all staff members are found to be productive and efficient, there would be no cause for concern. However, he noted that if a forensic or HR assessment reveals the institution can function effectively with a significantly reduced workforce, necessary adjustments will be considered to safeguard the industry’s future.
He added that the review will confirm whether the reported figure of over 10,000 permanent employees is accurate and whether those currently in various positions are suitably placed.
The development comes as the regulator rolls out cost-containment measures in response to financial pressures facing the cocoa sector.
Under these measures, the executive management team has accepted a 20 per cent reduction in salaries, while senior staff have agreed to a 10 per cent pay cut.
At a recent media engagement, Dr. Abbey indicated that the organisation currently has about 10,200 permanent workers and nearly 8,000 contract and casual staff across its subsidiaries and operational units.
Findings from the review are expected to guide possible restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and securing the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
