News:
February 3, 2021
Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has challenged his colleague Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams to provide evidence to support his claim for accusing Cocoa Board of owing the License Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr. Markin went on to explain that, the claim by his colleague was not specific and read from the website of the Ghana Cocoa Board to prove to the House that, as per measures and agreements, Cocoa board has paid every money that needs to be given to the PBCs in order to pay for cocoa beans from the farmers.
He therefore called on Mr. Kofi Adams to mention names of LBCs, he claim to be buying from Cocoa farmers without paying in order to make it clearer for Parliament to investigate into the matter, if it’s so required or directed by the Speaker.
The comments of the Deputy Majority Leader, Afenyo Markin came up when the member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams made a statement on the floor of Parliament stating that, Cocoa farmers in his Constituency are really going through some hardship due to failure on the part of License Buying Companies (LBCs) to pay Cocoa farmers due to failure on the part of cocoa board to release funds for that purpose.
Mr. Adams used the opportunity to call on Speaker, to use his high Office to direct the Food and Agriculture Ministry which has the oversight responsibility over Cocoa Board to take steps to ensure that, LBCs receive their money from Cocoa Board to pay farmers especially those in his constituency.
Finally, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu who was in the seat yesterday, directed Ghana Cocoa Board to appear before the House by next week to brief members in respect of the concern raised.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com