A leading voice among workers of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has strongly opposed reported plans to impose salary cuts on staff due to declining global cocoa prices.

In a statement issued on social media, Bernard Owusu said workers would not accept reductions in their salaries, arguing that employees should not bear the consequences of falling international cocoa prices or broader economic challenges.

According to him, COCOBOD workers do not determine global cocoa prices and have no control over market fluctuations.

He also maintained that workers should not be penalised for what he described as economic mismanagement.

Mr. Owusu further questioned the fairness of targeting staff salaries while senior executives reportedly earn significantly higher monthly incomes.

He cited disparities between top management earnings and those of ordinary workers, insisting that sacrifices during difficult times must be shared equitably.

He contended that any attempt to impose salary cuts unilaterally would contravene the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), stressing that issues relating to salaries must be negotiated with recognised unions.

Describing workers as “not shock absorbers,” he called for respect for the CBA, meaningful engagement with unions, full transparency in decision-making, and shared responsibility in addressing the sector’s financial challenges.

The statement ends with a call for solidarity among workers as discussions over the reported salary adjustments continue.