Fianko, (B/A) Nov 5, GNA - The 1993/94 National Best Cocoa Farmer, Nana Yaw Barimah Sonoadwa, has lauded the government's efforts to improve the living standards of cocoa farmers and revamp the cocoa industry.

Nana Sonoadwa praised the government for the regular upward adjustment in the producer price of cocoa and for the on-going cocoa spraying exercise.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Fianko near Dominase in the Asunafo District in reaction to the recent producer price increase. On the Akuafo Cheque system Nana Sonoadwa welcomed it but was quick to add that the system has never achieved the target for which it has been in existence all these years.

He said the cheque system has always been imposed on farmers without first explaining to them what role they are expected to play to ensure its success.

Nana Sonoadwa said the cheque system is rather tedious to farmers, especially those whose output during the season is low, compelling them to travel long distances to cash their cheque.

He suggested that mobile vans be made to carry money round the cocoa districts to pay the farmers after they had received their cheque from the purchasing companies.

Nana Sonoadwa also proposed the re-admission of a cocoa farmer to the board membership of the COCOBOD to represent the interest of farmers in deciding matters that directly affect them.