Govt not buying our Cocoa – Ashanti Region cocoa farmers, purchasing clerks cry foul

Cocoa farmers and purchasing clerks in the Ashanti Region have confirmed reports that the government has halted the purchase of cocoa beans in the country.

According to the farmers, all cocoa beans they prepared have been rejected by licensed buyers in their various communities.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the chief cocoa farmer at Agogoso in the Atwima Mponua District, Agya Kwame Nsia, confirmed the situation, saying it has brought undue hardship to farmers, sending some to their early graves.

“The reports are true, government has halted buying the cocoa beans,” he said.

The farmers made the disclosure when the Minority in Parliament called on cocoa farmers in the region on Tuesday.

Agya Kwame Nsia added that the buyers claim they have no funds for the purchase, questioning who else should be responsible if not the government.

Some cocoa buying clerks who joined the engagement with farmers said they are out of funds, forcing them to reject the beans.

 They noted that loans secured have been exhausted, and without government release of funds, it’s difficult for them to buy the beans.

Together, the farmers and buyers appealed to the government to release funds for cocoa bean purchases, urging immediate action to alleviate their hardship.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng