He explained that the sheer magnitude of the contracts compelled COCOBOD to channel significant funds into the procurement of construction materials, a move that adversely affected the institution’s financial standing.   

Mr. Agbodza made the remarks in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to questions on the government’s value-for-money analysis and the status of the cocoa roads programme.   

The Minister noted that the suspension of cocoa road projects in 2017 had negatively impacted cocoa-growing communities, leading to deteriorating road networks, halted contracts, disruptions in the cocoa value chain, and hardships for farmers.   

“In view of these challenges, the government has ceded all cocoa road projects to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, particularly the Urban and Feeder Roads Departments,” he stated.   

There were 266 cocoa road contracts awarded, stressing the need for a comprehensive review of the programme to ensure efficiency and sustainability, Mr Agbodza stated.