Abstract:
This study sought to assess the book-keeping practices and accountability in
the cocoa industry in Western North Region, a study of Suaman District. As
such, specific objectives were to examine the book-keeping practices in the
cocoa sector in Suaman District, examine the factors that affect accountability
in the cocoa sector in Suaman District, assess the accountability challenges
facing the cocoa sector in Suaman District and to analyze the effect of bookkeeping
on accountability in the cocoa sector in Suaman District. Data was
collected through self-administered questionnaire from the employees of
licenced cocoa buying companies in Suaman District who are mandated to
submit weekly and monthly accounts to headquarters (district managers, depot
keepers and accountants). The study used quantitative research approach for
data collection, analysis and interpretation. Cluster sampling and purposive
sampling techniques were used to choose the sample size of 65 for the study.
The results revealed that book-keeping has a significant effect on
accountability in the industry. It also revealed that staff financial indiscipline
and inadequate knowledge in book-keeping are some of the challenges facing
accountability in the sector. It also revealed that there is over-reliance on
manual system of records keeping in the sector. The studies concluded that
managers of the sector should invest in education of staff on book-keeping and
also introduce accounting software in its operations. It further recommended
increase in remuneration packages of staff to reduce misappropriation of
funds.
