Stakeholders in the cocoa ecosystem are set to meet President John Dramani Mahama to deliberate on practical ways to address the challenges confronting Cocoa production in the country, the General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Works Union (ICU), Mr Morgan Ayawine, has stated.
The General Secretary of ICU was speaking at the Quadrennial Delegates Conference (QDC) of the National Consultative Council (NCC) of Quality Control Company (QCC) Employees Union held last Friday in Kumasi.
It was on the theme: ‘Enhancing Productivity at the Workplace -The Role of Social Partners.’
Mr Ayawine said Cocoa played an important role in Ghana’s economic framework, and despite the availability of other natural resources, Cocoa remained the backbone of the economy.
He said: “Ghana was once the world’s leading producer of Cocoa beans, both in quality and quantity but regrettably, we lost this enviable position to Cote d’Ivoire some years ago, and there are indications that another country is positioning itself to overtake Ghana, this reality must be as a wake-up call to all stakeholders to redouble our efforts.”
“This Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference is not only a significant milestone; it is also a springboard to propel both Management and Staff of QCC to greater heights. It offers an opportunity to explore innovative ways of doing things that will positively impact the entire cocoa value chain in Ghana.
“This brings me to the critical role of the Quality Control Company in the cocoa production mix. Quality remains the defining hallmark of any product, and it is not an aspect that can ever be compromised.
Your role as quality controllers is pivotal, as it determines Ghana’s reputation and competitiveness in the global cocoa market. It is, therefore, incumbent on Management, Union leadership, and Staff alike to stretch ourselves and recommit to excellence in the discharge of our duties, so that Ghana’s cocoa continues to meet—and exceed—international standards and retains its premium status,” he explained.
The newly elected National Union Chairman of QCC, Mr Paapa Amankwah Sarpong, noted that the challenges facing Cocoa production in the country could not be overlooked, since Cocoa production, which was the livelihood of millions, was facing rapid decline.
Mr Sarpong said the destructive activities of illegal miners popularly known as “galamsey” had polluted rivers, degraded fertile lands, and destroyed Cocoa farms that once stood as a symbol of national pride.
According to him, the reality was affecting production, revenue, and the capacity of management to meet production expectations and called on members to remain patient, and craved their understanding during the difficult times.
Mr Sarpong announced that his vision was to initiate round table discussions to address a long-standing injustice with management regarding the failure to reward staff who acquired additional relevant academic qualifications in line with their professional duties.
The QCC Employees Union has as Chair, Paapa Sarpong Amankwah;
Vice Chairman-Richard Botchway; Secretary-Justice Bello; Assistant Secretary- Kennedy Essel; First Trustee- Adane Dankyi Nana Yaw; Second Trustee- Adutwum Barimah; Executive Member-Bismark Arko-Ofori; Women Representative-Florence Ali Aidoo and Youth Representative-Stephen Tetteh.
FROM TIMES REPORTER, KUMASI
