Aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has mounted a strong defense of his role in Ghana’s historic shift away from offshore syndicated loans for cocoa financing.
His response follows sharp criticism from former Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Chief Executive, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, who accused him of “stealing credit” for the policy.
While the former COCOBOD boss insists the reform was not Acheampong’s brainchild, the former Agriculture Minister maintains that as the policy head of the sector, he rightfully deserves recognition for translating the President’s vision into actionable policy.
In a statement issued by the Communications Directorate of his presidential campaign office, Dr. Acheampong argued that within Ghana’s governance architecture, the authority to initiate, shape, and execute policy rests with the sector minister.
He stressed that this is not a matter of convention but one grounded in constitutional and administrative principles.
“Ministers are the political heads of their sectors, entrusted with the responsibility to translate presidential vision into actionable policy,” the statement read.
“As Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Acheampong formally presented the Cabinet memo recommending the cancellation of the syndicated cocoa loan to the President, and he publicly led the policy shift.”
The campaign maintained that Dr. Acheampong’s leadership marked a decisive break from Ghana’s 32-year reliance on offshore syndicated loans.
The policy, which instead requires international cocoa buyers to make upfront payments, has been described by his team as pragmatic, visionary, and in line with national interest.
Responding directly to allegations that he opposed the policy, the statement dismissed such claims as “demonstrably false.”
The statement argued that his active role in Cabinet discussions and subsequent oversight of implementation were clear signs of leadership, not sabotage.
“It must be emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for every major policy rests with the President, who sets the agenda and approves Cabinet decisions,” the statement added.
“Ministers, however, are the builders who bring that vision to life. In this case, Dr. Acheampong exercised his mandate to lead the cocoa syndication reform, and credit must be accorded where it is due.”
The exchange between Dr. Acheampong and Mr. Aidoo has cast a spotlight on the political significance of the no-syndication policy.
