Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-14 08:35:00
The National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), formerly known as GGC, has recently revealed a shortage of D32 million at 40 seccos across the country. This announcement was made during a press conference held to address allegations that the corporation still owed some seccos millions of dalasi. This disclosure comes in the wake of Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally informing the National Assembly that the government had ceased buying groundnuts after spending a record D1.5 billion.
During the press conference, the GGC stated that their initial budget for the groundnut trade was set to purchase 25,000 tons but ended up buying 36,000 tons due to a successful harvest season. The deputy managing director of the corporation, Lamin Sanyang, clarified that all credit transactions with farmers had been settled, despite reports suggesting otherwise. However, it was noted that some seccos and CPMSs might still owe farmers, as only 40 out of 95 invited for reconciliation had responded, with only 34 settling in full. The remaining six had outstanding shortages to address.
The shortages recorded at the 40 seccos amounted to 856.135 metric tons, attributed to discrepancies between the quantity purchased and delivered to GGC depots. Sanyang emphasized the importance of recovering the money owed, as a loan from Agib had been obtained to finance the groundnut purchase, which the state would need to repay. An investigation into all shortages will be conducted, with necessary actions taken to address the discrepancies.
The GGC is committed to providing support to affected regions and improving coordination and communication among stakeholders involved in the groundnut trade. Transparency, accountability, and fairness are key principles that the corporation and government aim to uphold in the trade process. A total of D40 million was allocated as commission to the 95 seccos involved.
In conclusion, the GGC reassures the public of their dedication to resolving any outstanding issues in the groundnut trade. They appreciate the cooperation of all stakeholders and pledge to work towards recovering every butut back to the state. By ensuring efficient reconciliation processes and addressing shortages, the corporation aims to strengthen the groundnut trade sector and uphold the integrity of the agricultural industry in the country.
Read the original article on The Standard
