Workers of Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited are intensifying calls on the government to urgently intervene and revive the struggling state-linked cocoa purchasing firm, as employees say they have gone more than two years without pay.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the workers expressed deep frustration over what they describe as repeated promises of reform that have yet to translate into real improvement in their conditions or the company’s operations.
According to the unions, staff salaries have remained unpaid for over 27 months, a situation they say has pushed many employees and their families into severe financial hardship.
They add that despite several assurances from government officials, there has been little visible progress in restoring the company’s financial stability.
The workers also pointed to commitments made during the 2024 election campaign, when President John Dramani Mahama assured cocoa farmers and communities in areas such as Enchi, Debiso, Sefwi Wiawso and Kumasi that PBC would be strengthened and returned to profitability.
Similar promises, they say, were repeated after the elections and in subsequent engagements, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged.
They further argue that PBC continues to suffer from serious liquidity challenges and a lack of working capital, which has severely weakened its ability to compete effectively in Ghana’s cocoa purchasing sector.
Beyond salary arrears, the unions also raised concerns about the government’s handling of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory, a wholly owned subsidiary of PBC.
While acknowledging the importance of addressing issues at the facility, they urged authorities to ensure that any intervention does not further strain the already struggling parent company.
The workers have proposed that the government either returns the factory to PBC’s full control or assumes responsibility for its financial liabilities to ease pressure on the company.
The statement also highlighted long-standing wage concerns, noting that salaries have reportedly not been adjusted for over a decade.
Drivers are said to earn about GH¢1,000 monthly, clerical staff between GH¢1,200 and GH¢1,500, while senior employees reportedly take home between GH¢2,050 and GH¢3,500.
Casual workers, according to the unions, have gone over three years without allowances, with some earning as little as GH¢350 monthly.
In their appeal to President Mahama, the workers warned that the ongoing crisis is affecting healthcare access, education support for children, and the general welfare of employees.
They are urging the government to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to stabilise PBC, protect existing jobs, and restore the institution’s role in Ghana’s cocoa industry.
