Cocoa farmers in Amenfi Central are urging collective action against illegal mining. They warn that galamsey, or illegal small-scale gold mining, threatens their farms and the nation's vital cocoa industry. Farmers gathered for a dialogue organized by the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Limited. The meeting aimed to educate growers on the dangers posed by this activity.
Illegal mining has caused significant damage to farms and rivers. It is also destroying forest cover and creating dangerous abandoned pits. These issues pose serious safety risks to rural communities. The dialogues were supported by ECOCare Ghana. They focused on promoting farmer-led prevention strategies. The goal is to combat illegal mining in the Western and Western North regions.
Ghana's economy heavily relies on cocoa exports. The World Bank reported cocoa as a key agricultural commodity. In 2023, Ghana remained one of the world's top cocoa producers. However, the sector faces challenges. Declining farm sizes and an aging farmer population are concerns. The increasing threat of galamsey adds another layer of difficulty. Illegal mining pollutes water sources essential for both farming and drinking. It also destroys arable land needed for cocoa cultivation, directly impacting future yields and farmer incomes.
Issifu Issaka, National President of the farmers' association, highlighted the dangers. He stated, "illegal mining continues to threaten cocoa-growing communities." He urged farmer leaders to strengthen monitoring efforts. They will also support land reclamation projects. Nicholas Kwabena Gbadago, Amenfi Central District Union Secretary, praised the initiative. He believes it will deter farmers from selling their land to illegal miners.
The Voice of The African Farmer Platform also visited Amenfi Central. They engaged farmers to assess current conditions. The platform will continue to report on farmer challenges. They will also work with authorities to find solutions. Farmers are also calling for more government support. This includes expanding cocoa scholarship schemes. They also demand better road infrastructure. These improvements are crucial to sustain the cocoa value chain in Amenfi Central and across Ghana.