A growing crisis is unfolding in Ghana’s cocoa sector as illegal mining continues to destroy thousands of acres of productive cocoa farms, threatening one of the country’s most important export industries.
The Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) says more than 100,000 acres of high-yield cocoa plantations have already been lost to illegal mining activities across major cocoa-growing regions.
Officials warn that unless urgent measures are taken, continued destruction of cocoa farms could further reduce production, weaken export earnings and undermine the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry.
Thousands of Cocoa Farms Lost
Speaking at Samahu during the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, the Regional Manager of COCOBOD’s Western South Cocoa Health and Extension Division, Samuel Asuman, described illegal mining as the greatest threat facing Ghana’s cocoa sector.
He said productive cocoa farms in the Ashanti, Western and Central regions have been extensively damaged by galamsey operations.
According to him, the destruction of cocoa plantations is contributing to declining cocoa yields and lower export volumes.
Cocoa Production Under Pressure
Mr. Asuman explained that falling production is reducing Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings while placing significant financial pressure on COCOBOD.
He noted that declining export volumes have affected the Board’s ability to finance operations, support farmers and meet other financial obligations.
He further lamented that farms rehabilitated through COCOBOD’s investment programmes are also being destroyed by illegal miners.
Farmers Urged to Protect Cocoa Lands
Deputy Executive Director of COCOBOD’s Cocoa Health and Extension Division, Abdul-Majid Mumuni, appealed to cocoa farmers not to release their farms to illegal mining operators.
He stressed that cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most valuable economic commodities and offers long-term benefits that far exceed the short-term payments offered by galamsey operators.
According to him, preserving cocoa farms is essential to safeguarding the future of the industry.
Government Plans Tougher Measures
Mr. Mumuni disclosed that government and COCOBOD are developing additional measures to protect cocoa-growing areas, including stronger sanctions against illegal miners responsible for destroying cocoa farms.
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He expressed confidence that enhanced enforcement would help preserve cocoa production and protect farming communities.
Call for Long-Term Commitment
Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, also cautioned cocoa farmers against selling their lands to illegal miners.
He urged farmers to consider the long-term economic value of cocoa production rather than short-term financial gains.
Stakeholders believe protecting cocoa farms will be critical to sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry, safeguarding export earnings and securing the livelihoods of thousands of farming households.
