Gang supervisor refutes allegation

Babianeha (B/A), Sept 12, GNA - Mr. Oppong Gyan, gang supervisor of Babianeha cocoa mass spraying exercise in Jaman South District, has refuted an allegation that farmers at Babianeha were made to pay 20,000 cedis each before their cocoa farms were sprayed.

Mr Gyan described the allegation as "unfounded and malicious", saying that none of his men had demanded any money from the farmers. He said according to the spraying regulations, it was incumbent on the farmer to provide food for the spraying gang members but some farmers chose to substitute the food with money. Mr. Gyan said he had warned his men not to hesitate to spray any farm even if the farmer was not in a position to provide food. "I have given a stern warning that those who fail to spray a farm would be seriously dealt with", he added.

Mr Francis Apumbura, acting District Director of Food and Agriculture, said his office had received complaints from the farmers on the issue and that the directorate would investigate.