Cocoa farmers in Ghana have been urged to report any illegal mining activities in their farms to the nearest Cocobod office.
Mr. Benjamin King Arthur, Twifo Praso District Cocoa Officer who made the call said they were open to all farmers with officers available on daily basis to receive reports of illegal mining activities and other concerns.
He emphasised that the COCOBOD was committed to protecting cocoa farms and supporting farmers to increase their yields for economic gains.
He stressed that as the country’s primary cash crop, cocoa farms were crucial to Ghana’s economic sustainability.
Mr Arthur warned farmers that selling their cocoa farms to illegal miners would affect the sustainability of their livelihoods, and therefore, encouraged them to continue farming because the price of cocoa was expected to increase soon.
Currently, the price of a cocoa bag is over GHS 3000.
The call to report illegal mining activities comes at the back of Ghana’s struggle with the environmental and economic impacts of galamsey.
The practice has led to deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation, affecting cocoa production and the livelihoods of many farmers.
Nana Kwame Essel, GNA
