Agona Swedru, Sept 18, GNA - The Central Regional branch of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) of the Ghana Cocobod, has stated that there was enough money for cocoa purchases in both the light and main seasons this year.

According to Mr Robert Kofi Ampomah, Deputy Regional Manager of the Company, there was no cause for alarm and urged cocoa farmers to have the confidence to continue dealing with the company.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Agona Swedru to ally the fears of some Cocoa farmers in the area about the supply of money for the purchases of their produce. The Deputy Manager said that the company had released a substantial amount for cocoa purchases in the light crop produce before the commencement of the main season.

He stated that some cocoa buying companies, which had ran short of money were peddling rumours due to the competitions that had entered the industry, adding that, "the PBC is a pioneer in the cocoa industry and no one can beat it since the government is behind the company". Mr Andrews Antwi Bosiako, Regional Principal Accountant of the company, said the PBC had eight districts in the region and reassured the farmers of ready cash for the purchase of their produce. He said enough money had been sent to the District offices at Breman Asikuma, Agona Swedru, Assin Fosu, Assin Manso, Assin Bereku, Cape Coast, Twifo Praso and Twifo Nyanase to meet the company's financial obligations to cocoa farmers.

Mr Antwi Bosiako said PBC would continue to seek the welfare of the farmers and the nation since cocoa was the backbone of the economy. He said that PBC would continue to organise educational rallies and institute awards for cocoa farmers to improve their living conditions. The Regional Principal Accountant asked the District Chief Farmers to liase with the Purchasing Clerks (PC) of the company to address the problems of farmers to improve the cocoa industry. 18 Sept 05