Don't corrupt cocoa inputs supply programme - Cocobod Dir.

The Executive Director of Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of Cocobod, Dr. Francis Baah, has called for farmers not to corrupt the cocoa inputs distribution programme through influence peddling.

All must accept to follow due process to bring about fairness and transparency and to ensure that the free supply of the chemicals and fertilizers under the cocoa disease and pest control programme (CODAPEC) achieved the intended goal of boosting crop yield.

He warned that those who sidestepped clearly laid down procedures risked losing out, and encouraged everybody to register with its district offices across the nation.

Dr. Baah was speaking at separate ceremonies to inaugurate district taskforces for the CODAPEC programme at Konongo, Mampong and Offinso.

The taskforce is made up of representatives from the Division, Quality Control Unit, Assemblies, the Police Service, Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and farmers.

He stated that the programme was meant to increase the national cocoa production level and therefore everything would be done to make sure that no farmer, was denied his or her fair share of the inputs.

He gave the assurance that adequate chemicals and fertilizers had been procured to cater for all farmers, registered for the programme.

Mr. James Kofi Kutuatsi, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, said the inclusion of the police and the BNI in the taskforce was to prevent thievery and diversion of the inputs.

He cautioned staff of the Cocobod not to engage in acts that could undermine the programme, adding that anybody caught in any shady deal would not be protected.

The dismissal of about 12 employees in the Ashanti Region, last year, should send a powerful message to all.

Mrs. Faustine Asamany, the Regional Manager of the CHED, asked the taskforce to see to it that the inputs distribution was smooth distribution and free from malpractices.