By Daily Democrat Investigation Desk
A political storm is brewing in Ghana’s cocoa heartland as intelligence obtained by the Daily Democrat points to a coordinated push by elements linked to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to mobilize protesters demanding the removal of Dr Randy Abbey, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
At the center of the unfolding drama is a formal notification submitted to the Ghana Police Service in the Western North Region, announcing a planned “peaceful demonstration” by a group calling itself the Forum for Accountability and Development of Sefwi (FADOS).
But sources within local political circles insist the protest is far from a grassroots uprising.
“This is a politically engineered operation designed to destabilize COCOBOD leadership,” a senior security insider revealed on condition of anonymity. “The real objective is the removal of Dr Randy Abbey.”
LETTER THAT SPARKED A FIRESTORM
The February 8, 2026 letter, stamped received by police authorities, outlines plans for a four-hour march on Tuesday, February 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Protesters are to assemble at the GOIL Filling Station, Sefwi Dwenasi, proceed through the town, and converge in front of the COCOBOD office.
The document cites one primary grievance: COCOBOD’s alleged failure to release funds to Licensed Buying Companies, leaving farmers unable to sell cocoa for nearly four months.
“Severe economic hardship and unbearable living conditions” among farmers were cited as justification for the protest.
Yet critics question why the demonstration singles out Dr Abbey personally rather than broader systemic challenges facing the cocoa sector.
POLITICAL HANDS SUSPECTED
Multiple sources claim the mobilization effort is being driven behind the scenes by Harry Addo, identified as the NPP’s Western North Regional Communications Director.
Insiders allege he is working closely with FADOS organizers to rally supporters of the NPP across Sefwi communities.
Attempts by the Daily Democrat to reach Mr. Addo for comment were unsuccessful.
However, a senior NPP activist in the area neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
“People are suffering. If farmers decide to demonstrate, nobody can stop them,” the activist said cryptically.
Political analysts say the protest could quickly escalate into a national flashpoint, given cocoa’s central role in Ghana’s economy.
FARMERS: “WE ARE STARVING”
On the ground, emotions are raw.
Cocoa farmers interviewed across villages near Sefwi Wiawso described mounting desperation as unsold beans pile up.
“We have children to feed, school fees to pay, and debts everywhere,” said one farmer. “If the government cannot buy our cocoa, then somebody must go.”
Others, however, expressed suspicion about the sudden organization of the protest.
“Who is funding the buses? Who is printing the placards?” one community elder asked. “Farmers alone cannot do this.”
FEARS OF ESCALATION
Security agencies are reportedly on high alert amid concerns that the demonstration could be hijacked by political operatives or turn violent.
Western North has historically been peaceful, but intelligence reports warn that tensions over unpaid cocoa could ignite unrest if large crowds gather.
A police official confirmed that operational plans are being reviewed but declined to disclose details.
“We will ensure public safety while respecting the right to peaceful assembly,” the officer said.
PRESSURE ON COCOBOD BOSS
Dr Abbey, appointed amid high expectations to reform the troubled cocoa sector, now faces perhaps his most serious political test yet.
His tenure has coincided with falling global prices, smuggling concerns, and mounting debts within the industry, challenges analysts say predate his leadership.
Supporters argue he is being unfairly targeted.
He inherited a crisis decades in the making,” said a cocoa policy expert. “Removing him will not magically solve the problem.”
But critics insist accountability must begin at the top.
NATIONAL POLITICAL BATTLE LOOMING
The controversy is rapidly evolving into a broader confrontation between the ruling administration and the opposition.
Government insiders view the protest as part of a strategy to portray the cocoa sector as collapsing under current leadership.
Opposition figures, meanwhile, accuse authorities of attempting to suppress legitimate grievances of farmers.
With cocoa revenues underpinning Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings, any disruption to the sector carries enormous economic implications.
TUESDAY SHOWDOWN
As February 24 approaches, all eyes are on Sefwi Dwenasi.
Will the demonstration remain peaceful as organizers promise or explode into a political earthquake capable of reshaping leadership at COCOBOD?
For thousands of struggling farmers, the stakes could not be higher.
For Dr Randy Abbey, it may be the fight of his career.
And for Ghana, the unfolding cocoa revolt could determine not just the future of one man, but the stability of an entire industry.
