The President of the Asunafo North Municipal Co-operative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union in the Ahafo Region, Emmanuel Sarpong, has called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to adopt new strategies in its cocoa buying operations to benefit both farmers and the national economy.
Speaking in an interview with Adom News in Goaso, Mr Sarpong explained that payments to cocoa farmers have been delayed because foreign buyers are unwilling to purchase cocoa at the current prices.
He said while international companies are pushing for a reduction in prices, COCOBOD has resisted such demands, resulting in large quantities of cocoa remaining unsold in its custody.
According to him, the situation has left many farmers stranded, as they are yet to receive payment for their produce. He therefore urged COCOBOD to engage industry experts to explore alternative strategies that would ensure timely sales and prompt payment to farmers.
Also speaking to Adom News, the Manager of the Union, Kumaho Erasmus, supported the call and appealed to COCOBOD to take urgent steps to resolve the situation, noting that many farmers depend on proceeds from cocoa sales for their daily livelihood.
He further appealed to farmers to remain patient, assuring them that cocoa unions are applying pressure on COCOBOD to address the issue and ensure that farmers receive their payments.
