Nana Kwabena Gyamfi Akwabeng I, the Abontendomhene for Sefwi-Anwhiaso Traditional area, has attributed the decline in cocoa production in the Western North Region to the high rate of illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the area.

He said galamsey activities had destroyed many farmlands in the area, contributing to the decline in cocoa production in the region.

Nana Kwabena Gyamfi expressed these sentiments on the sidelines of a stakeholder forum on the best ways to protect the environment.

The forum organised by the Rainforest Alliance, a Non- Governmental Organisation, was to help address some of the challenges of illegal mining in cocoa-growing areas.

“Most farmers are compelled to sell their cocoa farms once their neighbours sold theirs to galamsey operators because they fear that the activities of these illegal miners would destroy their farms too,” the Abontendomhene stated.

He called on traditional authorities to enact punitive laws in their various jurisdictions to prevent illegal mining.

The Abontendomhene called for unity and collaboration among traditional authorities, security agencies and the government since it was the only way to fight illegal mining especially in cocoa growing areas in the region.

Nana Kwabena Gyamfi advised the youth to be disciplined and help protect the environment for generations of unborn.