BOPP expresses concern over stealing of palm fruits

Benso (W/R), Aug. 15, GNA - The management of Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP), has expressed concern over the persistent stealing of palm fruits from the company's plantation at Benso.

At a press conference held at Benso on Friday, Mr Kwesi Otoo, Human Resource Manager of BOPP, said the rampant theft was gradually undermining the efforts of the company to diversify and expand its operations.

He appealed to the communities in the area, which were mostly out-growers, to be vigilant and support the company in its efforts to check the activities of thieves.

"If the stealing continues, it will undermine the company's programme to reduce poverty and unemployment in the area," he said. Mr Otoo said on June 3, this year, at about 0430 hours, three men were spotted stealing palm fruits and that a security man who attempted to arrest them had his right fingers almost chopped off after he blocked a cutlass aimed at his head by one of the thieves.

He said again, on June 6, thieves fired on security guards on the plantation at about 0130 hours but the guards were unhurt. Mr Otoo said so far, 11 people had been arrested for stealing from the BOPP's plantation since January, this year and had been prosecuted.