MAMFE, September 19, 2026—
President and General Manager of the South West Manyu Cocoa Farmers Cooperative, Chief Tabe Bessong Oben Richard, has dismissed allegations that his cooperative pays FCFA15 million every week to the Chief of Sector for the South West, describing the claims as false information intended to discredit the organisation.
Chief Tabe Bessong addressed the allegations publicly on Saturday, September 19, during the installation of Difang Roger as President of the Bamenda Road Axis Cocoa Union, alongside members of his executive.It was his first public outing since what he described as a recent social media campaign targeting him and the South West Manyu Cocoa Farmers Cooperative.
According to Chief Tabe Bessong, several allegations have circulated on social media and through other channels, including a claim that the cooperative allegedly paid FCFA 70 million to a customs official as a bribe.He also referred to a report he said had been made to the Director General of Customs in Yaoundé, alleging that the cooperative was paying FCFA 15 million weekly to the Chief of Sector for the South West.Chief Tabe Bessong firmly rejected the allegations.
“Today is my first official outing after the social media attack on my person. I am by this note publicly and officially dismissing the information as fake news and distraction,” he said.He questioned why efforts to improve cocoa trade and create opportunities for farmers and buyers had become the subject of attacks.The cooperative leader also expressed concern that some of those criticising the organisation were, according to him, sons and daughters of Manyu Division.
Chief Tabe Bessong said the matter had been reported to the competent authorities and called on members of the cooperative to remain calm while due process takes its course.
He said he remained confident in the country’s legal institutions and maintained that anyone found responsible for attempts to destabilise the cooperative would have to face the law.
Focus on cocoa farmers
The cooperative president used the installation ceremony to urge the newly appointed Bamenda Road Axis Cocoa Union leadership to begin work immediately, with particular attention to the welfare of cocoa farmers.He said farmers continue to complain of exploitation by some buyers and called for stronger mechanisms to protect their interests.Chief Tabe Bessong also announced that the South West Manyu Cocoa Farmers Cooperative was strengthening its quality-control measures.He warned that buyers found manipulating weighing scales would face sanctions.
Nigeria market and North-West traders
Chief Tabe Bessong further urged cocoa farmers to appreciate the Head of State for authorising cocoa exports to neighbouring Nigeria, which he said had created additional opportunities for actors in the cocoa sector.He also defended the cooperative’s engagement with traders and business partners from the North-West Region.According to him, every Cameroonian has the right to settle and conduct legitimate economic activities anywhere in the country.> “I am very happy seeing my brothers and sisters from the North-West Region,” he said, adding that he would not yield to pressure aimed at preventing legitimate partners from doing business with the cooperative.
Support from farmers and traditional authorities
Traditional rulers, cocoa farmers and buyers from Nfaitock, Mile 18, Njemba, Etoko Mile 27 and Kendem in the South-West, as well as Widikum in the North-West, publicly expressed support for Chief Tabe Bessong and the cooperative.They called for peace, transparent leadership and stronger cooperation between cocoa farmers and buyers, while urging individuals seeking to disrupt the process to desist.The reception for Chief Tabe Bessong was marked by a strong cultural display, with women lining the streets and spreading traditional fabrics along his path.Traditional, religious, defence and security representatives also accompanied the cooperatives President and General Manager during the outing.
The ceremony provided Chief Tabe Bessong with a public platform to respond to the bribery allegations following the reported social media campaign against him.He used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to cocoa farmers, legitimate trade and economic cooperation between the North-West and South-West Regions.
