Purchases for the 2001 light crop cocoa season ceased at the close of business, according to a statement by Ghana Cocoa Board.

The statement signed in Accra by Mr Chris Awuah, Public relations Officer of Cocoa Board, said in order to assist the Licensed Buying Companies to obtain the final returns from their up-country stations, the Board has decided that returns on declared purchases would be accepted up to 1600 hours on Thursday, August 23.