Burkina-Faso:18 people arrested for misappropriating fertiliser

In Burkina Faso, the police have apprehended 18 individuals, including 10 Ministry of Agriculture officials and 8 traders, for diverting state-subsidized fertilizers in the Eastern region. Following reports, the judicial police detained these individuals in connection with the misappropriation of fertilizers meant for local farmers.

Zakaria Traoré, the regional head of judicial police in the East, revealed that 723 sacks worth over 21 million FCFA were seized after investigations and reports of subsidized fertilizer sales in the Fada N’Gourma market.

The culprits used a method involving collecting identification cards to impersonate eligible farmers, with accomplices facilitating the extraction and resale of agricultural inputs at inflated prices.

The Ministry of Agriculture credited the arrest to an implemented monitoring system.

The Director-General of Crop Production, Prosper Zemba, emphasized the establishment of a tracking system and a hotline that helped gather crucial information handed over to Fada’s judicial authorities.

Cedric KABORE