By Mustapha Jallow
The Deputy Managing Director of the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), formerly GGC, Lamin Sanneh, has denied claims by farmers that the corporation is still owing them.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, 13 March 2024 at the GGC, Mr Sanneh said the corporation has settled all monies it owed farmers, arguing that it is in fact the seccos who are owing the government over D32 million.
The GGC press conference came following complaints from some farmers that they have not yet received their monies from seccos.
Sanneh said the GGC initially budgeted for 25,000 tonnes, but they ended up buying 36,000 tonnes due to largely successful harvest.
Sanneh explains further: “Contrary to reports that there are farmers we are still owing, we have settled all our credit buying with the farmers. However, seccos and CPMSs with shortages could be owing the farmers. We have extended invitations to all seccos and CPMSs with outstanding credit transactions for the purpose of reconciliation, but only 40 responded out of 95, and out of this, 34 were settled in full. The remaining six were not settled due to reported shortages.”
He said the shortage was a result of the difference between the quantity purchased and the quantity delivered to GGC depots.
“They were not able to prove that they had credit buying,” he said.
He said a total of 856.135 metric tonnes were recorded as shortages in the 40 seccos.
“It is noteworthy that the majority of farmers yet to receive payment are under CPMSs with shortages and undergoing reconciliation procedures with the designated reconciliation team,” he stated.
He said the remaining 55 seccos have done very well.
DM Sanyang said the GGC will conduct an investigation into all shortages and take necessary action. “The money must be recovered because we took a loan from Agib Bank to finance the purchase of groundnuts, and the state will have to pay it back.”
“We will provide necessary support to affected regions and strengthen coordination and communication between all stakeholders involved in the groundnut trade process,” he said.
He said the GGC and the government remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the groundnut trade. “We appreciate the cooperation of all stakeholders and assure the public of our unwavering dedication to resolving any outstanding issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sanneh said D40 million was given to 95 seccos as commission.
