The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has clarified that it has never accused officials from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of engaging in private cocoa purchasing activities.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Public Relations Officer for the association, explained that the initial complaints actually stemmed from farmers in the Oti Region, who had raised serious concerns over purchasing failures and chronic payment delays.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Madam Asantewaa indicated that if COCOBOD maintains its officers are not involved in such illicit activities, the association will not pursue the matter further.
However, she asserted that cocoa farmers are currently enduring a severe crisis that the authorities have consistently failed to address.
She expressed deep regret that despite decades of sacrifice and vital contribution to the national economy, cocoa farmers continue to be treated unfairly, arguing that successive governments have failed to transform the sector.
The spokesperson lamented the government’s persistent refusal to release payments owed to the farmers.
Despite her initial clarification, she argued that the government must still investigate the matter thoroughly, noting that the association’s internal enquiries suggested those in charge were indeed involved in private purchasing.
She urged cocoa farmers to present a united front to protect the sector from total disruption.
Concluding her remarks, Madam Asantewaa stressed that the association would no longer drag out the dispute or comment on whether private purchasing was taking place, leaving the ultimate judgment to a higher power.
She warned that God values farmers and that while those who treat them well will be blessed, those who do not will face divine wrath.
She cautioned that the ongoing neglect and unfair treatment have already forced several desperate farmers to surrender their lands to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
