The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is causing sensation over social media after a letter emerged suggesting that approval is being sought for the purchase of computer keyboards at a price of GHC4,500.00 each.
COCOBOD is reputed to be buying fifteen of these keyboards, and the recipients are alleged to be the Board of Directors of the cocoa buying and regulatory authority.
The details of the procurement are contained in a letter on COCOBOD letterhead dated February 26, 2024. It has the file number ITD/TOF/V.2/350.
It emanates from one Enoch Tetteh Martey, Deputy Information Systems Manager, on behalf of the Information Systems Manager, and is addressed to the Director of Finance.
It is headed ‘Request for Purchase of Keyboards’ and reads as follows;
“We write to seek approval for the purchase of fifteen (15) pieces of keyboards for our Board Members, each costing “Four Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHC4,500.00).
“This is to enhance productivity and guarantee that they are comfortable utilizing their iPads during meetings.
“Attached is a pro forma invoice for your reviews.
“We count on your co-operation.”
COCOBOD REACTS
Meanwhile, COCOBOD says that it has taken note of a widely circulated memo emanating from the Information Systems Department of the Board. It described the memo as a proposal requesting management to approve the procurements of iPad keypads for members of the Board.
The statement said that the request is based on the adoption of an app called ‘CONVENE’. The App is supposed to assist with the use of paper and stationary at Board meetings while promoting productivity and collaboration of members.
Meanwhile, the Board has not sanctioned the procurement and consequently no procurement has taken place, COCOBOD said.
