News:
February 5, 2021
Leader of Government Business, Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has given assurance to the House, that officials from Ghana Cocoa Board would appear before the House on Thursday to address concerns raised by the Buem lawmaker.
In a statement a week ago Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Iddie Adams lamented over the inability of Cocoa Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to pay cocoa farmers for the past two months for their cocoa beans purchased in his constituency.
According to him Ghana Cocoa Board secured one point three billion dollars facility to purchase cocoa beans for the 2020/21 crop season to assist cocoa board to make upfront payments for purchases from cocoa farmers.
“Most of the cocoa farmers in Ghana depend mainly on the proceeds of cocoa sale to fend for themselves and their families and most importantly to prepare new farmlands for the next farming season.”
Mr. Kwabena Minta Akandoh raised the issue on the floor of the House on Friday, February 5, 2021 when he pointed out that the Majority Leader did not bring that issue in the Business Statement presented to the House.
Mr. Mensah-Bonsu noted that initially there were difficulties establishing contact, and on Friday they were able to establish contact and the officials have agreed to be in the House on Thursday this week.
“We would programme them in good time, if we have to meet them a bit earlier ahead of our two o’clock meeting, because there is not sector Minister, the lead person have to be with us at the Committee of the whole and not plenary”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com