The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has officially sworn in the newly elected executives of the National Consultative Council (NCC) of the COCOBOD Local Union in a ceremony held at Cocoa House, Accra.
The General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, Brother Morgan Ayawine, who administered the oath of office, emphasized the importance of strong, transparent, and committed leadership, especially at a time when Ghana’s cocoa sector is navigating critical challenges.
“I convey to you warm and fraternal greetings from the National Executive Council and Leadership of ICU-Ghana on this auspicious occasion,” Ayawine said in his opening remarks. “It is a constitutional obligation that we swear in the newly elected executives, and today marks that important step.”
Addressing union members, Management of COCOBOD, and media present, Ayawine called on the new leaders to uphold values that define responsible trade unionism.
“Leadership demands greater commitment, sacrifice, humility, dedication to duty, fairness and transparency, honesty, probity, and accountability,” he stressed.
He noted that while the cocoa industry continues to face economic pressures, the significance of COCOBOD in Ghana’s economy cannot be overstated.
“You must be guided by the status and importance of COCOBOD as a key player in Ghana’s economy,” he said. “Its historical contributions, especially the cooperation between management and the union, have kept cocoa as the backbone of our economy—despite the discovery of oil.”
Citing recent statistics from Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, published in the Ghanaian Times on October 17, 2025, Ayawine pointed out that COCOBOD remains one of the few state institutions providing vital data for national economic planning.
“This shows how COCOBOD—through the collective effort of farmers, workers, management, and the union—is significantly contributing to Ghana’s growth,” he stated.
He acknowledged the current difficulties facing the sector but expressed optimism that with coordinated policy efforts and union-management collaboration, Ghana could reclaim its position as the world’s leading producer of premium cocoa.
“The challenges we face today are not insurmountable,” he said. “With the right policies, we can improve quality, raise production tonnage, and reclaim our global standing.”
Ayawine further encouraged the new NCC executives to maintain close cooperation with all unions within the COCOBOD structure, especially at divisional and subsidiary levels.
“We expect the COCOBOD Head Office Union to work closely with all other unions to support management in achieving strategic goals in an atmosphere of industrial peace and harmony,” he said.
He assured the newly sworn-in executives of ICU-Ghana’s full backing and urged them to consult the national union as needed in the execution of their mandate.
“While I assure you of the National Union’s unreserved support, it is crucial that you seek consultation on appropriate matters. That is how we sustain good governance,” Ayawine concluded.
With the authority vested in him as General Secretary, Ayawine officially declared the new executives inaugurated for a four-year term.
New Executives of the NCC – COCOBOD Local Union
• Bro. Eric Tucksan – Chairman
• Bro. Frank Abuuro – Vice Chairman
• Bro. Daniel Samari – Secretary
• Bro. Dennis Sarpong – Assistant Secretary
• Bro. Richard Nana A. Kumah – First Trustee
• Bro. Terry Nii Joy Nelson – Second Trustee
• Bro. Bright Fenteng Asomaning – Executive Member
• Sis. Ophelia Mensah Dzade – Women Representative
• Bro. Dennis Kwaku Boamah – Youth Representative
