“A concrete expression of faith.” That is what Cocoa House represents. Today we stand before a building that embodies Ghana’s cocoa industry. This is not just any building. This is Cocoa House the home of the Ghana Cocoa Board also known as COCOBOD.
COCOBOD’s story starts before this building existed. Its roots trace back to the cocoa hold-up of 1937. The Ghana Cocoa Board was officially established in 1947. It began with an initial working capital of approximately £27 million. This sum represented Ghana’s share of the West African Produce Control Board’s net profit.
Initially COCOBOD rented space. They occupied the old Export Produce Control Board premises on 28th February Road in Accra. Later they rented part of Swan Mill after its completion paying around £4500 annually.
In 1957 a significant event occurred. Dr Kwame Nkrumah laid the foundation stone for Cocoa House. This marked the start of COCOBOD’s own dedicated building. The location was 41 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue Accra. Nkrumah’s vision extended beyond just office space. He wanted Cocoa House to symbolize the board’s confidence in cocoa’s future. It was to be a tribute to Ghanaian farmers.
Completed in November 1960 Cocoa House cost nearly £2 million. President Nkrumah himself commissioned the six-story building. Cocoa House provided offices for other organizations too. These included Ethiopian Airlines and ARB Apex Bank.
COCOBOD’s mission is clear. They aim to boost the production processing and marketing of cocoa coffee and sheanut. They want to do this efficiently and cost-effectively. COCOBOD seeks to ensure quality in all forms of these products.
Think about the purpose of Cocoa House. It was built not only to save on rent. It was also a statement. A statement about the importance of cocoa to Ghana. A statement of faith in the industry’s future. It is a lasting monument to the hardworking Ghanaian farmer. As you stand here consider the legacy. Consider the vision of those who built this house.