Cocoa farmers in Mfantseman, located in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, are facing severe challenges as illegal mining activities have destroyed access routes to their farms, leaving large quantities of cocoa uncollected and stranded.

The destruction caused by unregulated mining operations has made it nearly impossible for farmers to reach their farms or transport harvested produce, resulting in significant financial losses.

Farmers say deep trenches and open pits dug by illegal miners have rendered farm roads unsafe and unusable for over a year.

In the past, cocoa was transported manually with the help of labourers, but many young people have since abandoned farming for galamsey.

Tricycles later became the preferred means of transporting produce, but those too can no longer access the farms due to the extensive damage to the road network.

Beyond the loss of income, farmers say their personal safety is now at serious risk. Accessing farms on foot requires navigating narrow paths surrounded by uncovered pits, raising fears of fatal accidents.

Local authorities report that between January and August this year, at least 27 people died after falling into abandoned galamsey pits in the municipality, heightening anxiety among residents.

The affected farmers are questioning the absence of a major security operation in Mfantseman, despite similar crackdowns on illegal mining in other areas.

They are appealing for immediate government action to halt galamsey activities and safeguard cocoa farms. Residents have also raised health concerns, alleging that some abandoned pits are being used as refuse dumps and places of convenience, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Upper Denkyira West District continues to battle similar challenges, with health authorities warning that illegal mining has destroyed vast farmlands and polluted water bodies across the Denkyira enclave.

The Paramount Chief of Denkyira, Odeefour Boampensem IV, has called on the government to intensify efforts to stop illegal mining and restore degraded lands.