Mahama proposes new law to criminalise cocoa farm destruction for mining purposes

President John Mahama is proposing new laws to protect cash crops. He wants to criminalise the destruction of cocoa for mining.

Mahama believes cocoa farming is more profitable than mining. Cocoa can generate income year-round, while mining leaves land barren.

He spoke after a visit from the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association. He stressed that preserving cocoa production is crucial for the economy.

“We must stop people from cutting down cocoa trees for gold mining,” he said. “Once mined, land becomes useless. Cocoa trees can produce revenue for over 30 years.”

Mahama announced plans to explore legislation against destroying cocoa farms for mining.

He also declared 2025 as the "Year of Correction" for the cocoa sector. This aims to restore it to a better state.

Mahama criticised the previous administration's management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). He highlighted their spending of GH₵3.4 billion last year on administrative costs.

“COCOBOD's debt is now GH₵3.2 billion,” he stated. “GH₵9 million must be paid by September. This money should have gone to farmers.”

He noted that production has declined while COCOBOD’s staff numbers have increased. “In business, when production falls, you adjust your workforce,” he explained.

Mahama emphasised fair pricing as key to sustaining cocoa production. He condemned past policies that kept producer prices below 40%.

He advocates for a minimum price of 70% to motivate farmers. “In the first four years of the last administration, producer prices barely increased,” he said.

“This year will focus on correcting these issues and strengthening the industry.”