Transporter urges gov’t to fix deplorable cocoa roads

Some stakeholders in the cocoa value chain have asked government to pay critical attention to the deplorable roads in many cocoa roads as they impact negatively on the full benefits the country derives from the cash crop.

They are thus asking government to urgently fix such roads to prevent the losses that usually occur during the transportation of cocoa from the hinterlands.

The concerns came up at the maiden edition of the Ghana Cocoa Awards.

The deplorable nature of many roads in the country has become a major concern for citizens in recent times.

Even worse are some of the roads that are critical for carting a cash crop like cocoa that contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Joseph Aidoo, was named ‘The Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Personality’ of the Year at the Awards, which was the main highlight of the night.

Another personality who picked up a special award was former CEO of Cocobod Mr. Anthony Fofie, who won the ‘Cocoa Sustainability Award’, while the Honorary ‘Cocoa lifetime Achievement’ Award was given to former President, John Agyekum Kufuor.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Ghana Cocoa Awards, Mr. Onyina Acheampong Gyamfi, the General Manager of Kiteko Ghana Limited, which was adjudged the Best Hauler of the year, said the poor nature of cocoa roads significantly hampers the transportation of cocoa from the hinterlands.

“Mostly it’s the nature of our roads. Most roads leading to Samreboi areas, from other hinterlands, western north areas are really terrible so that is the main issue. The roads are not accessible” he bemoaned.

The Awards Gala Night at the plush Movenpick Ambassador Hotel recognized the hard work of some Ghanaian cocoa farmers, individuals and companies operating within the country’s Coca Value chain.

Speaking to Citi Business News at the event, the Founder of the Awards scheme, Kojo Hayford, called for more investments and participation in the production and processing of Ghana’s Cocoa for the country to derive maximum benefit from it.

Source: citinewsroom.com