Trucks of cocoa beans are seating at the Takoradi Harbour

Takoradi (Greater Accra) 19 Feb '99

Some truck drivers at the Takoradi Harbour who said they have been at the port for about four months without their trucks of cocoa beans being off-loaded, have alleged that private companies in the cocoa industry such as Cashpro, often quickly off-loaded their consignments leaving those of the Produce Buying Company (PBC).. The allegation came up when Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Member of Parliament for Takoradi, on Wednesday visited theTakoradi Harbour to find out why about 250 articulated trucks loaded with cocoa beans had not been off-loaded at the Takoradi harbour for the past three months. Officers at the Ghana Cocoa Board and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) could not explain because their bosses were not at the harbour during the MP's visit. Mr. Adamu Siedu, Co-ordinator of the Takoradi branch of the Ghana Haulage Trucks Drivers Union said the situation had led to loss of revenue to both drivers and the Nation since many of the beans get spoilt during long delays. He explained that previously, articulated truck drivers paid three thousand cedis as tolls at the port but with the provision of toilet and bathroom facilities this has been increased to six thousand cedis. In spite of this , they are being refused access to these facilities but are still paying the new charges. Mrs. Asmah assured the drivers that she will do her best to ensure that the situation is rectified. The drivers on their part said they appreciated the visit and pleaded with her to let their plight be known in Parliament.