Cocoa farmers in gold-producing areas are lamenting the gradual encroachment of their cocoa plantations by illegal miners.

Some farmers have already surrendered their farmlands for illegal mining activities.

Certified cocoa farmers organisation, Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union (KKFU) finds the situation disturbing as cocoa is the main cash crop of the economy.

The uncompetitive cocoa prices on the international market are reflected in the pockets of ordinary cocoa farmers in Ghana.

As a result, cocoa farmers and landowners are giving away their lands to miners for money.

This is a huge threat to the cocoa sector.

Also read: https://www.myjoyonline.com/cocoa-farmers-demand-72-5-increase-in-farm-gate-prices-of-cocoa-beans/

Executive Secretary of Kuapa KoKoo, Solomon Boateng, fears the industry may suffer if nothing is done within the next five years.

“It is not an individual effort that can stop galamsey. I think it should be a collective effort, led by the government. They should walk the talk and ensure that if they want to stop, they should stop it.

"But it’s like we are just saying it but the commitment is low. If they do not do it, in the next five years the cocoa industry will suffer,” he revealed.

To increase yield and productivity and provide a unified front for cocoa farmers, Kuapa Kokoo has elected James Agyekum Kwarteng as its new President.

At the 29th Annual Delegates Congress, the cocoa farmers endorsed him and other executives to lead the association for a five-year term.

Mr Agyekum, who had 276 votes, representing 97%, promised a unified front to improve the well-being of farmers.

“I am taking this opportunity to bring on board all farmers who were with a different faction. They will join so we can build our union. We are not going to discriminate,” he assured.

Managing Director of Kuapa Kokoo, Emmanuel Kwabena Arthur, is recommending a reconciliation committee to reconcile all cocoa farmers under the Kuapa Kokoo fold.

He says the platform will embrace all farmers to air grievances.

“We have advised the new executive council members to set up a reconciliation committee. So that any farmer with any grievance can express his or her view.

"At the end of the day, we will see how we can reconcile and bring all the farmers back together,” he assured.

Kuapa Kokoo is Ghana’s pioneer and leading producer of ethical cocoa.