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The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has expressed grave concerns over the widespread destruction of cocoa farmlands due to illegal mining activities, locally referred to as “galamsey.” According to the association, over 100,000 acres of cocoa farms have been destroyed, severely affecting cocoa production in the region.
The president of the association, speaking in an interview with Citi News, emphasized the urgent need for government action to curb the ongoing destruction of farmland. He warned that if the issue is not addressed, the livelihoods of thousands of cocoa farmers will be at risk.
“They are destroying cocoa farms and lands for illegal mining, and we have not heard anything from the authorities. In case the government is not aware of the destruction, the Cocoa Board has informed farmers that they are unable to take action due to the level of influence of powerful individuals involved in gold mining,” he said.
He added that the shift from illegal mining to so-called “community mining” has not helped the situation. He argued that community mining is essentially a continuation of illegal mining activities under a new name, causing the same environmental and economic harm.
“Now, even the government has changed the name and made it community mining. But what is community mining? They are doing exactly what the illegal miners are doing,” he noted.
The destruction of over 100,000 acres of cocoa farms has led to a significant drop in cocoa production this year, as many of the cocoa trees have been cut down to make way for mining operations. The farmers now face a bleak future, struggling to achieve the harvest levels they used to enjoy.
The association’s president called on the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey, urging that all illegal mining activities be halted immediately. He suggested that after the upcoming elections, a commission should be established to investigate the issue and develop a blueprint for sustainable and legal mining practices in Ghana.
“Without urgent action, we risk losing not only the farmlands but also the livelihoods of many people who depend on cocoa farming. Lives and properties will continue to be affected if we allow these illegal activities to persist,” he cautioned.
The call for intervention comes at a critical time, as cocoa remains one of Ghana’s key export commodities, contributing significantly to the economy. However, the rampant destruction of cocoa farms for illegal mining could have long-term consequences for both farmers and the nation’s agricultural sector.
