Following the final release of bonuses for cocoa farmers in the main cocoa crop season by the government, some 117 farmers have received a total of GH¢19,397. Disclosing this, William Bedjabeng, Goaso Zonal Manager of Olam Ghana Ltd, the company that disbursed the cash on behalf of government, said his company had purchased about 7,100 tonnes of cocoa in the area during the main crop season. Each bag of cocoa, according to the Zonal Manager, attracted a bonus of GH¢1.71. At a ceremony to disburse the bonuses, Mr. Bedjabeng advised cocoa farmers to ferment their cocoa well before drying them so that it could meet the world market standards. According to Mr. Bedjabeng, if farmers were able to ferment their cocoa well, it would avoid the rejection of Ghana Cocoa Board and also create a good reputation for the country’s cocoa industry. He told the cocoa farmers that government had provided a new passbook for them, urging each farmer to secure one for free. Accordingly, the new book would enable them access scholarships for their wards. Welcoming the management of Olam, the chief of Asuodei, Nana Tabi Antwi appealed to the company to assist the town with its electrification project by providing them with some electric poles. Nana Antwi as well said the road from Goaso to the town also needed reshaping and therefore called on the management of Olam to assist in getting the road in good shape. He commended the company for paying the bonuses on time. Source: Daily Guide