Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has secured an injunction from the High Court at Dunkwa Offin. This order protects cocoa farms and the livelihoods of farmers against the Chief of Dunkwa Offin, Okoforobour Obeng Nuako III.
COCOBOD acted after receiving a petition from cocoa farmers in Denkyira Agyinpaboa, near Dunkwa Offin. The farmers reported destruction of their cocoa farms by the Chief, who claims ownership of the land. This land was originally provided to the farmers' families by the ancestors of Nana Kojo Appiah II, the Ayenfuri Chief, many years ago.
Ghana's cocoa sector is crucial, accounting for approximately 7% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It also employs around 800,000 farm families. Land disputes, like the one in Dunkwa Offin, pose a significant threat to production stability and farmer incomes in this vital industry. Recent data shows Ghana's cocoa output reached 740,000 metric tonnes in 2023, underscoring the importance of protecting farmland.
COCOBOD sent a team to engage the Chief to resolve the dispute. However, weeks after this initial engagement, the Chief reportedly sent land guards to continue the destruction for estate development. This action has already affected about 50 acres of cocoa farms.
The court’s injunction seeks to prevent further destruction and ensure the safety of the remaining farms. The legal proceedings will also address compensation for the damaged cocoa farms. The case has been adjourned until May 26, 2026, when legal arguments will continue. This extended timeline suggests a complex legal battle ahead.
This action by COCOBOD highlights its commitment to protecting cocoa farmers and their land. It sends a clear signal that the authority will use legal means to safeguard the cocoa industry against land encroachment. Investors and market watchers will closely monitor the outcome of this case. The integrity of land tenure for smallholder farmers remains a key factor for sustained cocoa output and rural economic stability. Any prolonged dispute could impact farmer morale and future cocoa seasons.