More than 1,000 cocoa farmers in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region, have raised concerns about the non-payment of their bonuses or premiums by Touton-Eliho Ghana Limited.

The farmers, owed a total of GHC470,000.00, have urged the government to intervene. According to Sampson Awal Mohammed, the non-payment is adversely affecting their lives and cocoa farms.

The farmers had been convinced by COCOBOD and other credible organizations to sell their cocoa to Touton-Eliho Ghana Limited, which they believed to be reliable and law-abiding.

The company, however, has not paid the bonuses as agreed, prompting the farmers to seek redress through the legal system if not settled within one week.

The company's managers acknowledged the debt but stated that they would provide their version of the story in due time.