Cocoa farms over mining: Mahama pushes for new law

President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to protect cocoa farms from illegal mining. He emphasized the long-term benefits of cocoa over short-term mining profits.

“We must stop people from cutting down cocoa trees for gold mining. Once land is mined, it becomes useless. Cocoa trees can provide revenue for over 30 years. It’s better to preserve cocoa farms than to make land barren,” he stated.

Mahama spoke after a visit from the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE). He stressed the urgent need to prevent further destruction of cocoa farms. These farms are vital to Ghana’s economy.

He also addressed financial issues facing COCOBOD, Ghana’s cocoa regulatory body. COCOBOD currently has a total debt of GH₵3.2 billion. Additionally, GH₵9 million is due for repayment by September.

“This money should have gone to farmers but is now used for debts,” he noted.

Mahama criticized the previous administration for increasing COCOBOD's workforce despite declining cocoa production. He called this decision counterproductive.

“Production has decreased, yet COCOBOD’s staff numbers have increased. In business, when production drops, you adjust the workforce,” he explained.

He pointed out that the past government failed to raise producer prices in its first four years despite cedi depreciation.

Mahama assured cocoa farmers that 2025 would be a “year of correction.” This year aims to revive the sector and improve conditions for farmers.

“In the past four years, there was no increase in producer prices despite currency issues. This year will correct those problems and strengthen the industry,” he promised.