PBC Limited in partnership with the Youth Employment Authority (YEA), Chemico Limited and New Okaf, Rainbow Agrosciences are set to roll out the maiden edition of the PBC Farmers Health Screening Outreach programme.

Slated for September 4 through to October 2, 2018, the project is a combination of health screening exercise and mini-fair – conceived by PBC and the aforementioned sponsors to improve the health of cocoa farmers while creating an avenue for effective farmer/input dealer interaction.

According to organisers, the project is broadly hinged on improving access to quality healthcare while courting a favourable brand perception for all firms involved in the project.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations-PBC Limited, Alfred Ofori Annye noted that the initiative is to help in the improvement of farmer welfare across the country.

“Indeed, we have for some time been considering an initiative that could leave a lasting impression on cocoa farmers. We eventually settled for a health screening outreach because we recognise how invaluable a healthy farmer population is to our operations, and by extension the local economy,” Mr. Ofori Annye noted.

On her part, Corporate Affairs Manager of PBC-Nanette Aryee, explained that the project will be an annual endeavour which will see PBC partner industry stakeholders to outdoor initiatives that improve the lives of cocoa farmers across the country.

“As the biggest licenced cocoa-buying company in Ghana, we acknowledge the importance of a healthy cocoa-farmer population. That is why together with key industry players we have conceived what we believe will be a huge blessing to our esteemed cocoa farmers -most of whom lack access to quality health care,” she added.

The first edition of the project will target cocoa farmers at Kasapin in the Brong Ahafo Region, before moving on to Dormaa, located in the same region.

Subsequently, cocoa farmers in Konongo-Ashanti Region and Bonsu Nkwanta-Western Region will also savour benefits from the marathon farmers’ health screening exercise.

While all agrochemical input dealers onboard are set to take advantage of the project to interact and contribute to the well-being of farmers, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) is set to use the medium chiefly as a grassroots launch path for renewed efforts to combat Tramadol and other related substance abuse, particularly, by the youth.