The Western North Regional Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Michael Aidoo, has expressed concerns about the growing trend of cocoa farmers selling their farms to illegal miners, also known as ‘galamseyers’.
Aidoo attributed this worrying development to government neglect and the deteriorating state of the cocoa sector, which has resulted in a lack of profitability for the farmers. He noted that many elderly farmers in the villages are now opting to sell their farms to galamseyers as they no longer see cocoa farming as a viable source of income.
Speaking on Yen Nsempa with Nana Yaa Brefo and Isaac Ekow JB, Aidoo highlighted the significant drop in Ghana’s cocoa production from around 900,000 tonnes annually during former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure to about 500,000 tonnes under the current administration.
He criticized the current government for failing to provide essential support to cocoa farmers, contrasting it with the free fertilizers, farm spraying, establishment of nurseries, and provision of experts under Mahama’s administration.
Aidoo also pointed out the delay in increasing cocoa prices, which exacerbated the farmers’ challenges, leading many to give up on cocoa farming due to the losses incurred over the years.
The sentiment among farmers, according to Aidoo, is a longing for the days of Mahama’s presidency, with many expressing a desire for his return to address the needs of the cocoa sector.
The ongoing struggles of cocoa farmers in Ghana serve as a reminder of the importance of government support and intervention in sustaining the livelihoods of those who rely on cocoa farming for their income.
