Cocoa Farmers Blame COCOBOD for Smuggling Crisis Due to Late Payments
Cocoa farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region are expressing frustration over delayed payments by the Produce Buying Company (PBC), a situation they say is driving an increase in cocoa smuggling into neighboring Togo.
The farmers allege that it often takes months to receive payment for their cocoa beans after delivery to PBC weighing sheds. This prolonged delay, they contend, forces them to seek alternative buyers, even if unauthorized, to meet their immediate financial needs.
“We harvest cocoa, but selling has become difficult,” explained Samuel Fato, Chief Cocoa Farmer of the Dodi Papase Cocoa District. “If someone wants to buy the beans, why wouldn’t we sell to them? We need money to survive, and our families depend on it.”
Mr. Fato went further, accusing the PBC of manipulating weighing scales to shortchange farmers. “Every farmer knows the expected yield. But at the shed, we consistently find our sacks are short by about 5 kilos. They have adjusted the scales,” he claimed, adding that this practice is eroding trust in the official buying system.
The 1998 first runner-up National Best Farmer, Nicholas Fato, suggested a collaborative approach to input subsidies. He advised the government to consult with chief cocoa farmers to identify the most effective inputs for subsidy, potentially saving funds that could then be used to expedite payments to farmers.
He also highlighted the impact of these challenges on the future of cocoa farming. “The hardships are driving farmers to deal with unauthorized buyers, and discouraging the youth from entering the profession,” he stated.
Mr. Fato issued a stern warning to the government and COCOBOD, demanding immediate action. “The government must take a second look at this issue. There are compromised individuals at the borders and within COCOBOD itself. They know the problems, but they ignore the fact that farmers are struggling,” he said. “If payments aren’t made promptly, we will march to COCOBOD to demonstrate. I will lead and sponsor it.”
He called for comprehensive reforms within COCOBOD to ensure sustainable funding for the PBC and prioritize the welfare of cocoa farmers.
The issue of delayed payments is reportedly widespread across the Volta and Oti Regions, contributing to a decline in cocoa production as farmers increasingly opt for the immediate cash offered by smugglers. Unless addressed, farmers fear Ghana’s cocoa output will continue to suffer as they prioritize survival over selling to the government.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
