Angry chiefs petition COCOBOD over neglect

The chiefs and elders of Mampong Akwapim have petitioned the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to register their concerns about some issues affecting cocoa farmers in the community.

The chiefs say they are angry because they have been cheated and neglected even though they are pioneers of cocoa growing in the country.

They argue that the community, which is a cocoa farming area, needs to benefit from proceeds from the sale of cocoa and called on the authorities to give them what they are due.

A petition signed by the Apesemakahene of Mampong Akwapim, Nana Kwabena Yirenkyi I, indicated that they have been sidelined by COCOBOD in the distribution of the cocoa scholarship fund.

In an interview with the DAILY HERITAGE, Nana Yirenkyi I reiterated the need for government to pay attention to the development of the community, saying, “We want the government to pay attention to us because Mampong is the home of cocoa in Ghana.”

He disclosed that they have raised the concerns for some time now, but are yet to receive any response from government, hence, the petition.

Nana Yirenkyi I further told the paper that, they will advise themselves if government fails to address their concerns, indicating that, cocoa farmers have suffered in the country for far too long.

“We've made known to them our challenges and we are just waiting patiently for them to act on them. We have presented our petition to them and we are looking forward to a change in our community. If they fail to do so then we will advise ourselves,” he stated.

Some issues raised by the chiefs and people include the bad road to the Tetteh Quarshie museum, renovation of the Tetteh Quarshie Hospital and organizing a cocoa festival every year, among others.

Receiving the petition on behalf of COCOBOD, Mr. Danquah Boateng, Director of Works, said his outfit has noted the corncerns of the people of Mampong and are ready to help solve them.

He added that, some of the issues raised were very dear to them and that they were working hard to ensure that Mampong receives its fair share of development as a cocoa farming community.

“We have taken note of your concerns and I can assure you that Mampong, as a cocoa farming community, will get its share.

“The jubilee cocoa project for instance is very dear to us and we will ensure that, that project is carried out,” he pledged.