By The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has issued a stern warning that Ghana’s esteemed position as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer could be jeopardized if robust measures aren’t implemented to safeguard cocoa farms against illegal mining activities.
This caution follows revelations from Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, who disclosed that the organization has reimbursed $250 million obtained from the African Development Bank, intended for irrigation purposes in cocoa farms. This refund was necessitated by the contamination of water bodies in farming regions.
Ghana presently holds the prestigious status of being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, trailing only behind Ivory Coast. Additionally, Ghana is renowned for producing premium cocoa beans, thus establishing its cocoa as highly sought-after on the global market.
Edward Kareweh, General Secretary of GAWU, highlighted that competing nations are vigorously striving to surpass Ghana in cocoa production by embracing sustainable environmental practices. He underscored that escalating water pollution levels in farming regions are compelling more farmers to abandon their cocoa farms.
“It’s no more lucrative to be in cocoa production. There are many factors which are real. Even the cocoa farmers who are patriotic and insist that they will not sell their farms and stay with their farms are forced to sell them out”.
He revealed that, despite government inaction, illegal miners are brazenly seizing cocoa farms by force for mining purposes.
Mr. Kareweh emphasized that contaminated water bodies are being redirected to cocoa farms, resulting in the destruction of the plants.
“The illegal miners will flood your farms with all the dirty water and will take your farm by force. You cannot even enter the farm again. It is so pathetic and heartbreaking that we can sit down and allow such a monumental criminal act to continue. This crime is against generations to come”.
Expressing concern, Mr. Kareweh lamented that it is only a matter of time before Ghana’s production capacity and longstanding reputation as the purveyor of premium cocoa beans are lost.
