Farmers Angry with Obourma Mill for delay in Paying for Supplies

Darmang (E/R), Aug 17, GNA - A group of farmers supplying oil palm fruit bunches to the Obourma Oil Palm Mill at Darmang in the Kwaebibirem District have complained about delays by the company to pay them for the fruit bunches supplied.

The situation had put most of them in debt since they have to borrow money for payment of school fees and for other expenses.

Madam Regina Agyei, spokesperson for the aggrieved suppliers, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that since they provided the materials that kept the mill running nothing should be done to frustrate them.

Mr Kwabena Heming, Finance Manager of the Company, said management had instituted a committee to look into the issue and payment would resume after investigations had been completed.

Asked how soon the investigation would be completed, he said he could not tell but the process was being hastened and it would surely not delay.

Some of the workers at the mill complained that in April 2010 the company abolished the end of service benefits and promised to replace it with a provident fund but this had not materialized.

Therefore, those retiring or leaving the service of the company go empty handed and the workers are not also allowed to form union.

GNA