Ghanaian-owned Licenced Buying Company, Atlas Commodities Limited, has provided clarification on its recent operations in the Volta and Oti Regions following media reports and public speculation.
The company, which has operated under the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) framework since 2018, said it maintains active trading districts across Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western North, and Western and Brong Ahafo Regions.
The company operates warehouses in these regions, employing its own staff and using its own tools and logistics, including jute sacks, weighing scales, and cocoa tags.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 26, Atlas emphasised that since the 2024/2025 cocoa season, it has not received any Seedfund from COCOBOD.
All purchases in the Volta and Oti Regions were financed entirely through its offtakers and local banks. The company stated that its operations in these areas were its first and were conducted to prevent cocoa from going unsold or being smuggled across borders.
The company also clarified its prior collaboration with Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC), including a Memorandum of Understanding and a Tripartite Sustainability Agreement signed in October 2023.
These agreements allow Atlas to leverage PBC’s operational infrastructure while maintaining full independence in decision-making and financing.
Addressing allegations of conflict of interest related to Mr. Ato Boateng, the company confirmed that he resigned as Director and Managing Director of Atlas on January 20, 2025, and executed a Deed of Blind Trust for his shares before taking up his role at COCOBOD in February 2025. Since then, he has had no involvement in Atlas’ management or operations.
Atlas concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and supporting cocoa farmers in Ghana, assuring the public and stakeholders that all actions in the Volta and Oti Regions were undertaken to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and prevent losses.
