The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has clarified an ongoing controversy surrounding a widely circulated memo originating from its Information Systems Department. The memo, which proposed the procurement of iPad keyboards for members of the Board of Directors, has prompted anger and widespread speculation among the general populace.
According to COCOBOD, the proposal to purchase iPad keyboards stemmed from the Board’s adoption of the “CONVENE” App. This app is part of COCOBOD’s efforts to reduce paper and stationary usage during board meetings, aiming to enhance productivity and collaboration among members.
In an official statement, COCOBOD emphasized that management has not sanctioned the procurement of the keyboards. Therefore, no procurement transactions have been initiated.
“The said memo is a proposal requesting management to approve the procurement of iPad keyboards for members of the Board of Directors.”
“The request to purchase iPad keyboards was based on the Board’s adoption of the
“CONVENE” App which is part of efforts to reduce the use of paper and stationary during
board meetings, while at the same time, enhancing productivity and collaboration among
members.”
“We wish to emphasize that Management has not sanctioned the procurement of the
keyboards, and consequently, no procurement transactions have taken place,” portions of the statement read.
This clarification comes amidst discussions sparked by the circulating memo, which had suggested an imminent acquisition of iPad keyboards for the Board of Directors.
Dated February 26, 2024, and signed by the Deputy Information Systems Manager, Enoch Tettey Martey, the memo requested the purchase of keyboards for 15 Board Members. According to the accompanying letter, the keyboards are intended to enhance productivity and facilitate the comfortable use of iPads during board meetings.
Each keyboard, as per the leaked memo is valued at GHC 4,500.
