A/R: Cocoa purchasing clerks abandon workplaces, homes over unpaid debts
Cocoa purchasing clerks in the Ashanti Region are being forced to abandon their workplaces and homes due to unpaid debts owed to farmers.
The purchasing clerks , who spoke to the Minority in Parliament during a visit to the Foase area in the Asante Akyem North District, say pressure from farmers has become unbearable.
“We hear in the news that government has released funds for cocoa, but we have not seen or received any of them. So, our simple question is, where is the money?” a cocoa buyer asked, expressing frustration with the government’s handling of the sector.
Farmers in the area are also feeling the pinch, with many unable to get payment for cocoa beans delivered.
“All efforts to get payment have proven futile,” they said, urging the government to take action. The situation has disrupted their livelihoods, making times difficult for them.
Addressing the farmers, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor-Dompreh slammed the government’s cocoa price cut as “insensitive”.
“The government had every opportunity to cushion the farmers, but failed to help them,” he said, warning that the price cut will severely impact farmers’ livelihoods.
The Minority’s visit aimed to highlight the government’s neglect and push for better prices.
Hon Dompreh emphasized that the price cut will have far-reaching consequences for farmers, who are already struggling.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Jacob Agyenim Boateng, Kumasi.
