Growers want to appoint CEO

 COFFEE growers in Daulo, Eastern Highlands want the appointment of the chief executive officer and board members of the Coffee Industry Corporation to be made by the farmers.

Chairman of the Smallholders Coffee Growers Association in Daulo John Inerehu said they would do a better job of screening candidates than the Government.

He was responding to the referral of current CEO Anton Benjamin to public prosecutors for alleged misconduct.

“I call on behalf of members of the Smallholders Coffee Growers Association to the Government to review the law on appointing the CEO and board members and give the powers back to the growers to make appointments,” Inerehu said.

He said the Government failed to properly screen candidates for the top positions in the CIC.

Inerehu said Parliament must amend the law and allow growers and industry stakeholders to get more involved in the appointment process.

“There is a need to overhaul the current CIC structure to realign its activities toward Vision 2050 to increase exportable bags and improve quality,” he said. No comments could be obtained from the CIC.