Cocoa farmers want enough education on cheques

Nyinahin (Ash), Dec 17, GNA - Cocoa farmers in the Nyinahin cocoa district of Ashanti have called on the government to give enough education on the use of the Akuafo Cheques.

Random interviews conducted by the Ghana News Agency in the area on the use of the cheques system revealed that even though the use of the Akuafo cheques is a laudable idea some factors impede the success of the scheme.

Opanin Kwasi Kumah of Bofaso said accessibility to the banks coupled with the long delays at the banks as a result of shortage of money were major sources of concern to the farmers and asked that these be addressed.

Nana Yaw Bronya, the district chief farmer, said assurances given them that mobile vans would go round to pay them at their doorsteps had not been forthcoming and are therefore compelled to travel long distances and at odd times to the nearest banks to cash their money. This situation, he said, is making the patronage of the cheque system a little bit difficult for the farmers and asked that the situation be remedied to enable them fully patronise the system. Another farmer, Opanin Kofi Nimo of Antwiagyeikrom, said due to inconveniences at the banks the farmers are prepared to take cash for their produce instead of accepting cheques for produce below one bag.