Cocoa Crisis Deepens: Farmers Galamsey as Livelihoods Diverge

Adiembra, Ashanti Region – In a stark warning, frustrated cocoa farmers are abandoning their farms for illegal gold mining (galamsey), citing insolvency and unending challenges in Ghana’s cocoa sector.

James Boakye Yiadom, 68, a licensed cocoa buyer and farmer, says cocoa farming’s no longer sustainable. “If gold is found on my land, I’ll cut down my cocoa trees and join galamsey,” he declared, highlighting unpaid arrears and unprofitable farming.

Over 150 farmers echoed Yiadom’s frustration, threatening to convert cocoa plantations into galamsey sites. “Cocoa can’t help us anymore,” they lament, citing unaffordable labor costs and unending struggles.

The Minority Caucus’ engagement with farmers reveals a sector in distress. Yiadom’s personal story is heartbreaking – 33 years in cocoa, and COCOBOD owes him for 17 bags of beans. “I stopped buying cocoa; it’s too risky,” he said.

Bright Fordjour, a former driver turned cocoa farmer, regrets his decision. “I thought cocoa would be better,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many who feel deceived by the system.

The farmers’ pleas come as no surprise to industry watchers. Ghana’s cocoa sector has long struggled with low prices, poor infrastructure, and smuggling. But the threat to switch to galamsey is a new low.

As the government mulls responses, farmers are clear: it’s time for action, not words. Can COCOBOD and policymakers turn the tide, or will galamsey claims escalate? The clock is ticking. Mm