The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has cautioned that Ghana’s status as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer could be jeopardized unless firm measures are implemented to shield cocoa farms from illegal mining activities.
The warning follows the revelation by Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, that the organization has returned $250 million obtained from the African Development Bank for cocoa farm irrigation projects. This decision was prompted by the contamination of water bodies in farming regions, underscoring the urgent need to address environmental concerns impacting cocoa production.
Ghana presently holds the distinction of being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, trailing only behind Ivory Coast. Notably, Ghana’s cocoa beans are renowned for their premium quality, positioning the country’s cocoa as highly desirable in the global market.
Edward Kareweh, the General Secretary of GAWU, emphasized that other cocoa-producing nations are intensifying their efforts to surpass Ghana in cocoa production by adopting sustainable environmental practices. This underscores the importance of Ghana implementing robust measures to maintain its competitive edge and safeguard its position in the global cocoa market.
He expressed concern that an increasing number of farmers are abandoning their farms due to the severe water pollution in farming areas.
“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 said.
He disclosed that while the government appears indifferent, illegal miners are forcibly taking over cocoa farms with impunity for mining purposes.
Mr. Kareweh highlighted that contaminated water bodies are being diverted 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,” he explained.
Mr. Kareweh emphasized that it’s only a matter of time before Ghana loses its production capacity and long-standing reputation as the producer of premium cocoa beans.
