Hohoe (V/R), Oct. 2, GNA- Mr Akwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister, has expressed concern about continuous low production of cocoa in the region, in spite of government's efforts to boost the industry. He said the region, which used to produce between five and ten percent of the nation's total production now accounts for less than one percent annually. In a speech read on his behalf at the annual farmers and workers award ceremony, organised by the Produce Buying Company (PBC) at Hohoe on Wednesday, Mr Owusu-Yeboa expressed the hope that production would be stepped up in the region. In all, four farmers and a staff of the company received awards. The best district farmer award went to Mr Henry Yaw Gyambiby from the Kadjebi District, the second to Mr Manfred Takyi from the Jasikan District and the third, Mr Samuel Kwadwo Opoku, from Worawora. Mr Johnny Kwao Agbanyo and Mr Oscar Kwabena Godshold, both of Dain-Kope society received the best district marketing clerk award and best district treasurer award, respectively.
The best district award winners took home a spraying machine each with insecticides, half piece of wax prints, Wellington and machetes while the others had Wellington boots, machetes and a clock each. Mr Owusu-Yeboa warned that the Regional Security Council and the anti-smuggling taskforce in the region not to spare anyone caught smuggling cocoa. He advised licensed buying companies operating in the region to desist from the use of hanging scales and mobile purchases of cocoa. The Regional Minister called on the COCOBOD to intensify its monitoring and evaluation activities.
Mr Emmanuel Owusu Boakye, Managing Director of the PBC, assured the farmers that the company was strengthening the structures and processes that would ensure the partnership between farmers and the company. He said PBC has put in place measures including prompt payment of cocoa, keeping of accurate records of sales to facilitate access facilities such as bonuses, scholarship and bank credits. The farmers should, therefore, reciprocate these efforts by increasing production, maintaining good quality of the beans and selling only to legal buyers. They should also maintain good farm husbandry and adhere strictly to the Akuafo cheques system.
The Volta Regional Manager of the PBC, Mr Kwasi Bediako-Addy, said the introduction of the annual farmers award scheme was to serve as incentive to farmers and others in the industry. He announced that the region increased its cocoa production by nearly 500 percent during the last lean season. Mr Bediako-Addy urged farmers and security agencies in the district to assist the anti-smuggling taskforce to weed out smugglers.
