COCOBOD has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s risk of losing its esteemed position in the global cocoa market due to rampant illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Prof. Michael Kwarteng, who heads COCOBOD’s Anti-Corruption Galamsey Unit, emphasized the adverse impact of galamsey on cocoa production during an interview with Citi News.
These apprehensions follow a warning from former EPA Chief Executive Officer Henry Kokofu about a potential embargo on Ghana’s cocoa bean exports due to the escalating prevalence of illegal mining.
“If nothing is done to curb this galamsey menace, we might forfeit our status as the leading premium cocoa producer. Globally, Ghana’s cocoa is renowned for its quality. If we allow this to persist, it will significantly affect the quality of our cocoa beans,” Prof. Kwarteng cautioned.
This concern arises as the Minerals Commission of Ghana recently granted permission to MIGOP Mining Limited, a foreign-owned gold mining company, to utilize over 4,000 hectares of cocoa plantation farmlands in the Ashanti Region.
The affected land includes areas undergoing rehabilitation under COCOBOD’s Rehabilitation Programme, which encompasses nearly 170 hectares across various cocoa-producing communities.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, CEO of COCOBOD, joined the condemnation of this encroachment, accusing MIGOP Mining Limited of jeopardizing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and highlighting the potential impact on Ghana’s cocoa production.
