Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has issued a dire warning about the potential loss of Ghana’s top spot in the global cocoa market due to the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities.
Prof. Michael Kwarteng, Director of the Anti-Corruption Galamsey Unit at COCOBOD, highlighted the negative impact of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” on cocoa production during an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle.
This concern comes after a former CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Henry Kokofu, raised alarm over a possible embargo on Ghana’s cocoa bean exports to the global market as a result of the increasing activities of illegal miners. Prof. Kwarteng emphasized the risk of losing Ghana’s position as the top producer of premium cocoa if measures are not taken to combat illegal mining.
The EU’s report suggesting a ban on Ghana for cocoa grown on deforested land has further ignited the discussion on the importance of cocoa to the Ghanaian economy. Prof. Kwarteng urged for a reassessment of the benefits derived from cocoa production in the country, noting that it provides employment opportunities, contributes to road construction, and serves as a lifeline for cocoa farmers.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in accessing clean water for irrigation on their farms due to pollution of water bodies by illegal mining activities. This has contributed to a decline in cocoa production in Ghana to its lowest levels in the past decade.
The warning from COCOBOD serves as a wake-up call for authorities and stakeholders to address the menace of illegal mining and protect Ghana’s cocoa industry from collapse.
