Accra, July 1, GNA - The Cocoa Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has released funds totalling GH¢16,035,161.35 to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) for payment of the second tranche of bonuses to cocoa farmers in July, 2008. A statement released by the Chief Executive, COCOBOD, Mr Isaac Osei in Accra said the release of the funds was in fulfilment of government's pledge to pay bonuses twice a year to cocoa farmers.

The LBCs are: Produce Buying Company Ltd, Olam Ghana Ltd, Akuafo Adamfo Marketing Ltd, Adwumapa Buyers Ltd, Federated Commodities Ltd, Kuopa Kokoo Ltd, Transroyal Ghana Ltd and Armajaro Ghana Ltd. Others are; Cocoa Merchants Ghana Ltd, Sunshine Commodities Ltd, Diaby Company Ltd, Dio Jean Company Ltd, Sika Aba Buyers Ltd and Royal Commodities Ltd.

The rest are; Sompa Kokoo Company Ltd, West African Exchange Co. Ltd, Chartwell Ventures Ltd and Fereday Company Ltd. The bonus to be paid is GH¢27.43 per tonne or GH¢1.71 per 64kg of cocoa.

All LBCs are advised to take note and comply accordingly. The Board assures cocoa farmers it will continue to provide them with such incentives to motivate them to produce premium quality cocoa for export. 01 July 08