Farmers call for payment for cocoa

Kaase (W/R) Dec. 30, GNA - More than 2000 cocoa farmers in Bia district in Western Region face imminent social and economic hardships following the failure of the Produce Buying company to pay for cocoa bought from them.

The farmers are demanding arrears of three months for purchased cocoa and have blamed the PBC for the delay in the payment and failing to sign the cheques for the monies.

Nana Kwadjo Chebure, Chief of Kaase and himself a cocoa farmer in Bia District of Western Region has appealed to the PBC to expedite action in the payment of the arrears.

Speaking in an interview with Ghana News Agency, the chief said the non-payment of the arrears had brought untold hardships to farmers at Kaase, Ahimakrom and Yawmatwa communities.

"I have 17 children and they are all schooling. Schools are re-opening next month and I don't have any money on me now. Obviously, I will be in hot waters when school resumes," he said. Nana Kwadjo Chebure expressed the fear that the farmers might stage a demonstration to back their demand if immediate action was not taken to address the problem.

He urged the government to expedite action on the extension of electricity and water supply to the district to enhance economic activities.

The chief appealed to the government to help rehabilitate roads in the district which were in deplorable conditions to promote the area's development. Dec. 30 05