It was also to ask for his bless­ings as he steps up into his position to drive the cocoa sector.

Dr Abbey was accompanied by other management members and staff of the Cocobod.

Speaking at the occasion, he said the visit was in recognition of Gbese as the landlords of Coco­bod’s headquarters as the land on which their building is located on formed part of the Gbese Tradi­tional Area.

He said as a new management, they intend to work with all stake­holders to ensure that the cocoa sector is rejuvenated and restored to its former status.

Dr Abbey explained that though the new management has inherited a near collapsed sector, plagued by financial challenges, his is not to lament but work towards resolving the challenges.

He said together with the competent team of managers and workers all the challenges would be addressed one after the other to enable the sector come back to its feet.

“President John Mahama did not send me there to go and lament but find solutions and that is exactly what I will be doing,” he said.

Dr Abbey said his outfit would support the education initiative embarked on by Dr Nii Ayi-Bonte, stressing that it is important that we support such initiative to ensure that we help develop a critical of youth for the development of not only Gbese, but Greater Accra in general.”

On his part, Dr Nii Ayi-Bonte who is also the Adonten of the Ga State said the appointment of Dr Abbey reaffirmed the confidence President Mahama has in him and he must do everything right to justify the confidence.

“We are happy for this courtesy call, particularly because of the role cocoa plays in the economic de­velopment of Ghana. This affirms the President’s confidence in Dr Randy Nii Anertey Abbey to bring the cocoa sector to its glorious past and beyond,” he said.

He said the choice of Dr Ab­bey, as the CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board was apt considering the fact that Tetteh Quarshie, an indigene of the Ga State was the one who brought cocoa to Ghana, adding that this stamps our authority. Once again, our blessings are upon you and your team.”

Dr Abbey urged the new CEO to remember the youth of Gbese and Ga Mashie when there are job opportunities and businesses, add­ing that “Our youth are educated, hardworking, and diligent.”