COCOBOD not a ‘Common Sense’ job; requires technical expertise — Adom-Otchere

Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has called on political leaders to ensure that appointees to key positions possess the necessary technical expertise.

According to Mr. Adom-Otchere, the ongoing challenges at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) highlight the risks of placing politically connected individuals in technically demanding roles without the requisite experience.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 14, 2026, he emphasized: “The issue at COCOBOD is bringing to the fore the conversation that politicians must understand that when a new government takes over, and they are distributing political positions, some of these positions are purely technical. You can take your person there, but make sure that such a person is technically competent.”

He drew comparisons to other high-profile appointments, saying that the same standards applied when appointing an Attorney General or the Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

“From what we are seeing from COCOBOD, if you want to put someone who is a seasoned treasury banker over there, that will be fine. Or even a seasoned lawyer, who will also work. It is simply not a ‘common sense’ job,” he added.

Mr. Adom-Otchere further noted that while some positions can be managed with general knowledge and administrative skills, critical roles require specialised expertise.

He cited leadership positions at the National Communications Authority (NCA) as examples where professional qualifications in engineering, marketing, or law are essential.

“The good thing for politicians is that most of the jobs are common sense, and so many of them can do it. But those that are not, we must fit those places with competent people,” he concluded.