Regional News of Friday, 2 January 2004

Source: GNA

Company asks farmers to criticize it when it goes wrong

Bekwai (Ash), Jan. 2, GNA- Amajaro Ghana Limited, a Licensed Cocoa Buying Company has asked farmers who sell their cocoa to it to offer constructive criticism and suggestions that would create a healthy and cordial relationship between the company and farmers. Mr Nelson Kpodo-Tay, Ashanti Regional Chief Operations Officer of the company who made the point said it was when the farmers pointed out the flaws and mistakes of the company that it could sustain its operations.

He was speaking at last year's awards ceremony of the company at Bekwai last Monday at which a number of farmers were honoured for their contributions to the sustenance of cocoa industry.

The company's best farmers were selected from Bekwai, Antoakrom, Obuasi, New Edubiase and Assin Fosu in the Ashanti and Central regions. Mr Kpodo-Tay said the company fully endorsed the use of the Akuafo cheque system for the purchase of cocoa and warned its purchasing clerks to comply strictly with the policy, since anyone who would flout the directive would be severely dealt with.

Mallam Malik Asuming from the Edwenase Society in the Bekwai District emerged the overall best farmer and received a spraying machine, two pairs of Wellington boots, two cutlasses and two "T" shirts.

The second prize went to Mr Akwasi Manu of the Essuowin society in the Antoakrom District and had spraying machine, two pairs of Wellington boots, two "T" shirts and two cutlasses.

Madam Amma Pokua from the New Edubiase society won the third prize and also received a spraying machine, a pair of Wellington boots, two cutlasses and two "T" shirts. Three best farmers from each of the societies were given consolation prizes.