The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has steadfastly rejected criticisms of the newly enacted Cocoa Bill, asserting that the legislation is fundamentally sound and does not pose any threat to the sector’s interests. Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Kwame Sam, responded to ongoing concerns raised by the Minority, emphasizing the bill’s comprehensive nature and intended protective measures. COCOBOD’s stance follows a rigorous parliamentary review process, commencing last month, which has been deemed successful by the Board. The bill, which seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing cocoa production and safeguarding farm interests, has sparked considerable controversy. Specifically, provisions concerning land conversion to other uses, and the potential impact on farmers, have been the focal point of the opposition’s criticisms. Parliament passed the bill on August 26, 2023, awaiting presidential assent, but COCOBOD maintains its position – the legislation is designed to protect cocoa farmers’ rights and interests. Mr. Sam addressed these concerns directly, stating unequivocally that there is ‘absolutely nothing’ wrong with the bill. He explained that the bill’s core provisions were developed with expert input prior to parliamentary scrutiny and was subject to thorough examination by the legislative committee. The bill introduces several significant reforms, including the removal of a mining license provision that had previously required the granting of a mining license to a person to obtain the necessary permission from the COCOBOD Chief Executive. This provision was deemed inconsistent with the constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act, as mineral resources are vested in the President. The legislation also includes a new requirement for a person granted a mining license to obtain the express permission of the COCOBOD Chief Executive. The committee thoroughly analyzed the bill’s clauses, and amendments were proposed and debated, with substantial changes to the bill’s structure. The initial provision regarding mining licenses was removed during the parliamentary process, demonstrating a robust examination of the bill’s provisions. COCOBOD stressed that the bill was not solely drafted by the Board, but was developed with expert input before being subjected to parliamentary scrutiny. The process involved a complete clause-by-clause examination of the bill, with lawyers and lawmakers scrutinizing each provision and making necessary adjustments. The removal of the mining license provision is a key element of the scrutiny, and it represents a significant departure from previous legal interpretations. Mr. Sam reiterated that the legislation’s primary objective is to safeguard the interests of cocoa farmers. He stated that the bill introduces several reforms absent from previous laws governing the cocoa sector, demonstrating a comprehensive and proactive approach to protecting the industry. The committee’s analysis and amendments solidified the bill’s core objectives. The legal team emphasized that the bill’s provisions are consistent with established legal precedents and constitutional principles, particularly concerning the President’s role in mineral resource management. The continued opposition to the bill, stemming from the Minority’s concerns, is viewed as concerning, suggesting a lack of thorough consideration of the bill’s implications. COCOBOD has consistently emphasized the bill’s objective of bolstering the protection of cocoa farmers, thereby ensuring a stable and prosperous industry. The Board’s consistent stance underscores its commitment to safeguarding the sector’s long-term viability.
Source: Adom Online
