Breman Asikuma (C/R), Oct 22, GNA - A special desk created by the Breman Brakwa Rural Bank in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District for the payment of Akuafo cheques began operation on Friday October 22, 2004 to coincide with the beginning of the main cocoa season.

Mr P.C. Arthur, Senior Manager of the Bank, announced this at a Cocoa Societies' Best Farmer awards ceremony organised by the Produce Buying Company (PBC), at Breman Asikuma.

He said the management of the bank decided to establish the desk to relieve farmers of the problems and frustrations they encountered in cashing their Akuafo Cheques, adding that, the Desk would work after normal working hours.

Mr Arthur assured the cocoa farmers that the bank would do everything possible to ensure that their cheques were honoured on time. He explained that the Akuafo cheque system was instituted to facilitate the payment for cocoa purchases and said the difficulties they faced in cashing their cheques had been eliminated due to the prudent economic measures of the government.

The Senior Manager said the system was also introduced to inculcate the habit of saving with the banks and advised cocoa farmers not to withdraw all their money from the Bank.

He asked them to leave some of their money in their accounts to qualify for loans and other facilities from the financial institutions. Mr Fiifi Essel, Breman Asikuma Agency Manager of the Bank, said the bank had introduced a new facility known as the "AKUAFO MBO" to reward hard working cocoa farmers in the district.

He urged Purchasing Clerks (PCs) of cocoa purchasing companies to encourage farmers to save with the bank to enjoy efficient services to improve their farms.