Agona Nyakrom, (C/R), Nov. 19, GNA- The Produce Buying Company (PBC) of the Cocoa Board has dismissed a number of Commission Marketing clerks

(CMC) this year for indulging in malpractices thus costing financial lost to the company The Managing Director (MD) of the Company (PBC) Mr. Anthony Osei Boakye, said this in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Yeboah Duodu, a Member of the Board of PBC at the Sixth Annual Best Cocoa Farmers Award Day at Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region.

He however did not mention the total amount lost and the number of clerks dismissed but said some of them are standing trial at the law courts. Mr. Osei Boakye said the decision to take legal action against them was to restore confidence and trust with the cocoa farmers in the country.

The MD assured the farmers that PBC would purchase all cocoa beans produced by farmers.

He stressed that the company has abolished the pre-financing of cocoa to farmers since some of the CMC abused the system.

Mr. Osei Boakye assured the farmers that the company would assist them to obtain financial support from the rural banks if they properly channel their request through them. He asked the cocoa farmers to accept Akuafo Cheque for the payment of

their cocoa beans to enable them benefit from the payment of bonus and other credit facilities from the government. Mr. Fred Amponsah, Central Regional Manager of PBC said the Company has decided to recruit CMCs from cocoa farming communities to enable the farmers to identify bad nuts who would undermine the operation of the company. He said a seven-member committee would be formed to serve as link between the farmers and the company on financial matters. Mr. Amponsah pointed out that the committee would be tasked to ensure that loans that would be granted to the farmers are promptly paid back. Mr. Peter Tandoh, Central Regional Manager of Quality Control Division (QCD) advised farmers to use only the approved chemicals to spray their farms.

Mrs. Faustina Asaman, Deputy Central Regional Manager of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Division (CSSVD) asked farmers to allow their diseased trees to be cut down for replanting, adding that the Division was ready to supply them free high-bred cocoa seedlings. In all, 32 best farmers from Agona Swedru and Breman Asikuma districts were honoured. They were given Willington boots, Solar Torch-light, Cassette Tape recorders cutlasses and certificates.