Mr. Samuel Asuman, the Regional Manager of the Western South Cocoa Health and Extension Division of COCOBOD, has issued a warning regarding the potential collapse of Ghana’s cocoa industry if immediate interventions are not implemented.
He noted that over 100,000 acres of high-yield cocoa plantations have already been destroyed in key producing regions, including Ashanti, Western, and Central.
During a presentation of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme organized by Gold Fields Ghana Foundation at Samshu, Mr. Asuman expressed concern that the ongoing loss of farmland and declining yields have led to significant national output deficits.
“The reduction in export volumes is limiting foreign exchange earnings and crippling COCOBOD’s capacity to settle operational debts or fund farmer welfare programmes,” he stated.
Mr. Asuman identified illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, as the most pressing challenge currently confronting Ghana’s cocoa industry, as it continues to devastate cocoa farms despite substantial investments made by COCOBOD in rehabilitation programmes.
“We recently undertook a project to rehabilitate diseased cocoa farms in the region, and farmers have benefited immensely,” he announced.
“However, upon visiting certain districts, one would be astonished by the extent to which galamsey activities are destroying farms that COCOBOD has invested significantly to restore,” he remarked.
Mr. Abdul-Majid Mumuni, the Deputy Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of COCOBOD, emphasized that cocoa remains one of the country’s most vital economic commodities and should not be sacrificed for short-term gains from illegal mining.
He asserted, “There is a future for the cocoa sector, and under no circumstances should farmers relinquish their cocoa farms for illegal mining activities.”
Mr. Mumuni disclosed that the government and COCOBOD are pursuing measures to safeguard cocoa-growing areas, including plans to enhance sanctions against illegal activities that harm cocoa farms.
Mr. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley Constituency, reiterated that some farmers have sold their lands to illegal miners for immediate financial gain, neglecting the fact that cocoa represents a long-term investment.
“The money they receive may sustain them temporarily, but cocoa is a perpetual asset,” he added.
Source: Access Agric
