The Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Ghana Cocobod, Dr Emmanuel Opoku has applauded the management of Federated Commodities Limited (FEDCO), a licensed cocoa buying company for embracing the new registration module by Ghana Cocobod.
He added that farmers aligned to FEDCO have had their farms registered and details of all activities documented on the data base of Ghana Cocobod.
This, he noted gives Cocobod access to all records and information of FEDCO members and partners including their farm size, farm-hands, acre age of yields and other important details of farming operations.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration and award ceremony for its farmers in Kumasi, Dr Opoku said FEDCO has continuously aligned itself to best practices in the LBC business and this, he noted makes it an outstanding brand in the cocoa industry.
In an interview with the media after addressing farmers, chiefs and other stakeholders, Hajia Maria Adamu-Zibo, who is the Managing Director of FEDCO said since 1996 when it was founded by her father, Dr Alhaji Adamu Iddrisu, the company had distinguished itself as a major LBC by buying 16,907 metric tonnes of cocoa.
This feat, she noted has been achieved without using cocobod funds.
Praising past executives for laying solid structures for the company, Hajia said it was not surprising FEDCO had its certificate a year after its set up from Cocobod.
Hajia Adamu-Zibo intimated that FEDCO stands committed to running a sustainable programme which will give incentives to farmers so that the latter can adopt environmentally friendly practices through training to improve outcomes for themselves and their communities.
On behalf of the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II, Nana Agyenim Boateng, Amoamanhene and Chairman of the 25th anniversary commended FEDCO for creating a viable company where it has created job avenues for farmers including the youth and enabling them to earn incomes.
He urged the 170 awardees and farmers to be energised by the recognition from FEDCO and work to improve their operations.
On his part, Nana Osei Kofi Abiri, Chief of Kenyase No1 and representative of the Asantehene said FEDCOs impact has been felt in the country especially Asanteman.
Apart from improving the livelihoods of farmers who are associated with them, it had created opportunity for the country to grow the industry.
FEDCO during the ceremony gave awards to 170 farmers and stakeholders including 19 District officers and 59 purchasing clerks.
39 driving staff were also given various forms of awards.
Items given out included were knapsack sprayers, pruners, motor bikes, tricycles, refrigerators and television sets.