The activities of illegal mining have destroyed over 2,000 hectares of cocoa farms in the Ashanti Region.

This is according to the Regional Manager of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Ebenezer Kwabena Agyen.

This damage, he said is severely impacting cocoa production, which is already suffering from pests, diseases, and climate change.

Speaking to Adom News' Isaac K. Normanyo, the regional manager said “Almost 2,000 hectares of land which used to be cocoa farms have been turned into mining sites. Some individuals invade cocoa farms and forcefully take over farmlands from farms,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Regional Manager revealed that COCOBOD was launching a campaign against galamsey in the region to safeguard the cocoa industry.

He noted that districts previously known for high cocoa production have now become galamsey hotspots, severely impacting the industry.

Also, he said some 'galamseyers' have threatened farmers, succeeded in forcing them off their land, and destroyed cocoa farms for illegal mining purposes."