3% African Discount on rubber exports waived

Agona-Nkwanta (W/R), July 21, GNA- The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Rubber Out-growers and Agents Association (ROAA) has reached an agreement to waive three per cent African discount imposed on rubber exports.

The waive, which implies an additional income to farmers in the sector, took effect from the beginning of July this year. Consequently, producers would gain additional 0.868 Ghana cedis on each kilogram of cup of lumps.

Mr. Paul Lawrence Appiah, General Secretary announced the waiver at an extraordinary general meeting of the association at Agona-Nkwanta, in the Western Region.

He said waive was achieved through intensive lobbying through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Apex Farmers Organisation of Ghana, Agense Francaise Development and other stakeholders. Members in a resolution agreed to increase their dues from 0.6 per cent to 1.5 per cent to finance a proposed nursery and other development projects to further enhance the well being of members. The Association with support from the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited acquired a 16-hectre land for a nursery at nearby Nsuaem at the cost of 100,000 Euros.

Mr Appiah urged the farmers to strictly observe approved methods of harvesting of cup lumps, and also use approved materials to ensure the supply of high quality cup lumps to the processing factory at Agona-Nkwanta.

Mr. Appiah announced negotiations for a proposed investment club for the Association had been completed. He noted with concern that stealing of cup lumps was on the increase, and appealed to members to help check practice. Mr. Appiah also appealed to members of the association to help stamp out child labour by respecting the provisions under the Child Labour Code.

Nana Asaa Kofi, National Chairman of the Association urged members to continue to work hard to meet targets and also earn enough income to enhance their living standards.