Small-Scale farmers consent to ADB's sell-out

Kumasi, Oct. 4, GNA- The Association of Small-Scale farmers in the Ashanti region has affirmed its support to the government's decision to bring in private investors in the management of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).

According to the Association it has been following closely the current public debate on the issue and is of the conviction that the move is a step in the right direction to help broaden and increase the Bank's credit base for farmers, which has been on a steady decline since 1999. In a release issued to the press on Wednesday in Kumasi and signed by Mr Yeboah Kodie, its president, said the members of the Association found it difficult to procure loans or any form of financial assistance from the Bank, and that if the decision to bring in private investor would help revamp the Bank, then farmers are in favour.

"We believe that if a private investor will come in and bring more resources to enable the Bank help us more, then it is good for us, because the Bank does not give us the help we need" the statement said. The Association appealed to the government to involve farmers in negotiations on the issue since they are also important stakeholders.