Berekum: Licensed Cocoa Buyers in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region have appealed to the government to expedite action for the payment of cocoa farmers to ease looming tensions and persistent threats from farmers in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the delays in paying the cocoa farmers are causing misunderstanding between the buyers and the farmers, with increasing agitation among the aggrieved farmers potentially leading to further issues. Elder George Owusu, spokesperson of the Association, noted that many farmers have confronted some buyers for their money, putting buyers' lives in danger.
Elder Owusu mentioned supplying 100 bags of cocoa beans to Olam Cocoa Ghana Limited without receiving any payment for the farmers since last year. Despite reports of government funds being released to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), no payments have been seen, causing pressure on the buyers and their families, as farmers suspect them of withholding payments.
The buyers are unable to turn away farmers transporting beans from distant communities, leading them to accept the beans and explain the situation. However, farmers continue visiting daily to check on their payments.
Mr. Amankona Diawuo, a cocoa farmer, expressed frustrations and urged the government for timely payments, emphasizing that farmers are struggling to meet family needs. He stressed the urgency for the government to act so the farmers can support their families.