The National Association of Cocoa Farmers has raised concerns over a disconnect between government claims and the reality on the ground.
According to the Association, Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are insisting they have not yet received the funds intended for distribution to cocoa farmers.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Public Relations Officer for the Association, revealed that the situation is forcing farmers to return home with their produce.
She noted that despite government assurances that monies have been released, purchasing clerks maintain that their accounts remain empty.
“Officials have told us that they have released monies as payments for the purchasing of cocoa, but to this date, when you go to the purchasing clerks, they will tell you that the monies have not been released to them. Some are fighting over this, and we want the government to do what is necessary and release our monies and stop blaming the previous government. They told us they had what it takes to do better.”
Meanwhile, Nana Yaa Asantewaa commended the Executive Members, Senior Staff, and Board of COCOBOD for their “bold” decision to accept cuts to their salaries and sitting allowances.
However, she stressed the need for transparency, questioning how these austerity measures would be verified.
“Although it is good that officials of COCOBOD have taken a decision to have salary cuts, who will monitor and ensure that this is actually implemented?”
She ended by noting that while the gesture is appreciated, it is vital to track these directives to ensure they are fully realised rather than remaining mere verbal commitments.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa cautioned that a two-week ultimatum had been given to the authorities, after which they would take their protests to the streets.
She further emphasised that the government should permit them to explore their own markets if it lacked the capacity to purchase their cocoa.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
