There is an uneasy calm at the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) as current pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) members of management led by Vincent Okyere Akomea, the Managing Director, and Fredrick Amponsah-Doku, the Deputy Managing Director, scheme to retain their positions despite NPP losing power in the just-ended general elections.
Both officers, who have been closely linked to the NPP, are facing growing criticisms from workers who believe that their continued leadership would undermine the integrity of the organization under the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
Sources within the company suggest that former Managing Director, Joe Forson, an NPP stalwart who resigned in 2020 amid allegations of conflict of interest in contract awards, is actively lobbying on their behalf. Forson, who attends the same church with President-elect, John Dramani Mahama at the Ring Road Assemblies of God church in Accra, is reportedly using his connections within the church to influence decisions.
Allegations have surfaced that Forson is pushing for Amponsah-Doku to be appointed as Managing Director, despite claims of incompetence and accusations of targeting employees perceived to be non-NPP during his tenure as Deputy Managing Director.
Disgruntled workers have expressed their frustration, demanding a leadership overhaul to align with the incoming NDC administration. They argue that retaining politically aligned executives from the outgoing government would hinder efforts to rebuild trust and ensure a nonpartisan environment at CMC.
As President-elect, John Mahama’s inauguration draws near, the fate of CMC’s leadership remains uncertain. Employees are calling for swift action to address their concerns and restore confidence in the organization’s management.