Allegations of irregular recruitment and promotions at the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) have sparked concerns among stakeholders.

Recent appointments, including that of Rev. Edwin Afari as Executive Director, have been criticized for bypassing established procedures, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

Critics allege that some appointments were made without internal advertisements or competitive processes, or lay down policies with claims that political affiliations influenced these decisions.

For instance, Rev. Edwin Afari is said to have been appointed as the Executive Director of CHED.

Similar concerns have been raised about other promotions, such as Mr. Samuel Osei, who was promoted to Deputy Executive Director Peps, on the 2nd January 2025 after reportedly being promoted to Deputy Manager in 2021 and to substantive manager position in  2022.

He was promoted alongside with Joseph Omane Baah to Deputy Director of Special Services, Dr Michael Obour Opoku - Deputy Rector, BCC, Dr Amos Kojo Quaye - Manager BCC, Mrs Lilian Lucy Lartey - Technical Manager, Nana Akua Achiaa Mensah Snr HR Manager as very unusual.

Critics argue that these rapid appointments/promotions, allegedly influenced by NPP political connections, have sidelined more qualified and experienced individuals within the organization.

Stakeholders are calling for a review of these appointments, emphasizing the need for merit-based promotions to ensure equity and maintain morale within Cocobod.

They urge the incoming administration to investigate and address the situation to restore confidence in the institution.

Cocobod has yet to issue an official response to these allegations