The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has raised alarms over the destruction of more than 100,000 acres of cocoa plantations due to illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
This devastation has severely impacted cocoa production in key regions. In an interview with Citi News, the association’s president expressed deep concerns, urging immediate government intervention to protect cocoa farmers’ livelihoods.
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The president highlighted the complicity of powerful individuals involved in gold mining, noting that the Ghana Cocoa Board has been unable to address the issue effectively. He also criticized the rebranding of illegal mining as “community mining,” arguing that it continues to cause significant harm to cocoa farms.
The president called for the government to declare a state of emergency in affected areas and halt all illegal mining activities. He suggested that after the upcoming elections, a commission should be set up to investigate illegal mining activities and develop a comprehensive plan to regulate mining in Ghana. Without such action, he warned, the destruction of land and livelihoods would persist, further affecting cocoa production and the country’s agricultural future.
