The head of Ghana’s national cocoa farmers’ association has warned Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to use newly released government funds to clear all outstanding debts to farmers by Thursday.
Anane Boateng, President of the Ghana National Association of Cocoa Farmers, said the deadline was set because all government cheques are expected to clear by Thursday.
He warned that excuses from buying companies regarding lack of funds would not be tolerated after that date.
The warning follows the release of 2.6 billion Ghanaian cedis (GH¢) by the industry regulator, COCOBOD, to LBCs to facilitate payments across cocoa-growing regions.
Out of this total, GH¢1.4 billion has been specifically earmarked to settle past cocoa purchases made on credit.
Speaking to Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio87.5FM, Mr Boateng expressed deeper frustrations over the systemic treatment of the agricultural sector, stating that he could not confidently say cocoa farmers are receiving adequate relief from the government.
Despite their heavy reliance on funding to sustain their farms, Mr Boateng argued that cocoa farmers remain one of the most neglected groups in the country, with state support consistently falling short of their practical needs.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
