Twifo-Ateiku (W/R), Oct 20, GNA - Mr Abraham Odoom, the District Chief Executive for Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, has said the increase in cocoa production from 300 to 700 tonnes was as a result of hard work by cocoa farmers.

He said success of the cocoa Hi-Tech programme was mainly due to the commitment and dedication by farmers and urged them to continue with their hard work.

Mr Odoom said this at an awards ceremony organised by the Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited for the Twifo-Nyinase-Ateiku farming district during which 54 farmers were awarded with prizes ranging from Wellington boots, cutlasses and lanterns.

He said the country's past glory in cocoa production could be restored if farmers are properly organised and supported by all stakeholders and appealed to financial institutions to grant loans to farmers. Mr Richmond Osumanu, Twifo-Nyinase-Ateiku, the District Manager of PBC, appealed to farmers in the district to patronise the Akuafo cheque system.

He said their patronage would enable them to benefit from the PBC scholarships for their children and reduce the incidents of cheating by some private cocoa buying agencies.