Cocobod cautions unscrupulous purchasing clerks

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has expressed concern about reports of the adjustment of weighing scales by some Purchasing Clerks (PCs) and their accomplices in a bid to cheat the farmers.

A press statement issued and signed by the Corporate Affairs Director of Cocobod recently said it is illegal for any LBC or their representative to purchase cocoa beans with weighing scales, which are different from what has been certified by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

As recently announced by COCOBOD, a bag of 64kg of cocoa is to be sold at GH¢350.00.

“All Cocoa, Coffee and Shea nut farmers, who suspect any manipulation of scales used by Purchasing Clerks in their localities must immediately report the cheating clerks to officials of COCOBOD or the police for investigation.

“Officials of COCOBOD, BNI and National Security will be on the field to check and arrest Purchasing Clerks, who do not heed this caution for prosecution. COCOBOD will continue to monitor the activities of LBCs to ensure sanity in the cocoa industry,” it mentioned.

COCOBOD added that it has supported the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee and Shea nut Farmers Association to purchase weighing scales and test stones to monitor activities of purchasing clerks.

These scales and test stones have been distributed to the cocoa communities. We urge our cherished farmers to use them to help curb the menace.

“COCOBOD has the welfare of every farmer at heart and will therefore not condone any form of cheating in the industry.”