Cashew Farmers at Akuma/Brahoho in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region are calling on the government to expedite action in the establishment of a Crop Development Authority.

The Authority is expected to oversee the production and marketing of cashew in the region.

The Association’s call follows what they claim to be a cheating scheme masterminded by a group of middlemen, who at any time without consulting farmers decide on the price cashew must be sold and bought.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at Akuma, Chief of Gyaka Nana Ababio said that the farmers in cashew production have been exploited by a group of buyers.

“The buyers always go for a meeting and make their own decisions. They later come to impose whatever they have decided on us, the farmers. We are not happy about it,” he said.

According to him, this injustice does not serve as an incentive for farmers in the agricultural sector, hence calls on the government to intervene and ensure the welfare of farmers is prioritised in the region.

However, he said should government be unable to directly assist the farmers, a Commission or an Authority should be set up for the smooth running of cashew production.

“We have the land to provide government should it need space to set up the institution. Should government intervene, I believe all these exploitation will end,” he added.

Also, a representative of the farmers, Kwame Asante joined the call for the government’s intervention on the said matter.

He, however, said should government fail to address their plight, the farmers would go on a protest to express their displeasure against the middlemen.

“If the government sees that we are on a demonstration, that will be the reason,” he said.