Buyers who adjust weighing scales to be sacked and prosecuted

Kumasi, Feb. 16, GNA - The management of Kuapa Kokoo Limited (KKL), a Licensed cocoa Buying Company (LBC), has warned of outright dismissal and prosecution of any of its purchasing clerks (PCs) found to have adjusted weighing scales to cheat farmers.

Nana Kwadwo Appiah-Kubi, Chairman of the company, said as a farmer's co-operative, the welfare, comfort and general good of the Ghanaian farmer were central to their operations.

"It is for this reason that we have been putting up classroom blocks, providing water and sanitation facilities, rehabilitating some roads leading to cocoa growing areas and paying bonuses to farmers". He was opening a three-day national workshop being organised for society leaders of the company at the Christian Village in Kumasi on Monday.

The workshop is aimed at discussing ways of enhancing the company's operational efficiency.

Nana Appiah-Kubi noted that Kuapa Kokoo, which was among the first LBCs to receive licence to participate in the internal marketing of cocoa, has over the years chalked tremendous success. "We will therefore not allow anyone through pure greed to dent the image of our company." He called for fair and healthy marketing competition among the various LBCs to help maintain the quality and premium on the country's cocoa.

He expressed concern about a situation where LBCs in their bid to outdo each other resorted to buying cocoa that might not be thoroughly dried nor have the mouldy and flat beans sorted. Mr Kwabena Ohemeng Tinyase, Managing Director of the company, urged farmers to ensure prompt repayment of loans advanced to them from the Kuapa Kokoo Credit Union.

He described as "worrying" the situation where most farmers who benefit from the credit facility refuse to pay back.