Breman Asikuma C/R, Oct 12, GNA - The new Board and Management of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) have within one year reduced the 19 biilion-cedi deficit incurred by the previous administration to seven billion cedis, Dr Yeboa-Duodu, a Member of the Board has said. He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Breman Asikuma when 35 cocoa farmers and seven marketing clerks were honoured for their hard work and meritorious services.

Dr Yeboa-Duodu who represents cocoa farmers on the Board noted that the achievement was chalked as a result of prudent management, restructuring and the elimination of waste in the company.

He expressed the hope that the remaining deficit would be eliminated in the near future to enable the PBC to make giant strides.

With the listing of the company on the Stock Exchange, PBC has increased its shareholdings, Dr Yeboa-Duodu said and gave the assurance that the company being the oldest cocoa buying company in the country would ensure the interest of farmers.

The Board Member said the company in collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute has introduced a high-tech fertiliser in some areas on pilot basis and expressed the hope that it would be extended to other PBC districts soon.

Dr Yeboa-Duodu appealed to Ghanaians to purchase the company's shares since they have increased over 200 percent within one year. 12 Oct 03