New Tafo (E/R), Feb. 7, GNA- The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah, has reiterated government's determination to recapture the position as world's leading cocoa producer. He said government would do all it could to recapture the country's grip on cocoa production and marketing in the world using the best and appropriate farming techniques.

Dr Osafo-Mensah said this when he addressed the management and staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) at Akyem New Tafo during their second award ceremony on Friday.

He commended the CRIG for introducing innovative technology in the cocoa industry, which he noted, had resulted in a phenomenal increase in cocoa production last year, adding that government would continue to count on their expertise in the years ahead.

Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV, chief of Akyem Tafo confirmed that the increase in cocoa last year was "real", saying this could not have been the result of smuggling from some neighbouring countries.

He, therefore, urged farmers to respond to changes being introduced by CRIG so as to realize even better yields in future.

Osabarima Adusei Peasah also called for the re-introduction of the CRIG Extension Services, which was merged with that of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture since there had been a sharp decline in such services to cocoa farmers.

The acting Executive Director of CRIG, Rev. Dr. Laud Ollenu, gave the assurance of the preparedness of the Institute to continue finding solutions to problems confronting farmers.

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board(COCOBOD), Mr. Kwame Sarpong, also commended CRIG for its immense efforts towards the sustenance of the economy of Ghana.

Mr Isaac Opoku, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, urged the management of CRIG to occasionally invite some farmers groups to the institute to learn how to use modern farming techniques. Mr Peter Peasah who emerged as "Best worker for 2003" took home a medium-sized refrigerator.