Cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Ellembelle district are locked in a desperate battle to protect their farms and livelihoods. Illegal mining activities have become a growing menace, threatening their heritage and way of life.
Struggle for Survival:
Grace Amihere, a cocoa farmer, recounts how illegal miners attempted to bully her and her brother into selling their land for a pittance. When they refused, the miners destroyed half of their farms. This heartbreaking story exemplifies the plight of many farmers facing similar tactics.
Petition for Help:
Benjamin Azachie, leader of the Concerned Cocoa Farmers of Ellembelle, presented a petition to their Member of Parliament (MP), Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. The petition exposes the devastating impact of illegal mining on their community.
The Petition’s Urgent Plea:
The petition highlights the critical role cocoa farming plays in the Ellembelle district. It’s a cherished tradition that sustains families for generations.
However, the surge in illegal mining by Chinese miners, often with Ghanaian collaborators, is jeopardizing everything. They are accused of seizing farms without consent, destroying fertile land, and polluting vital water sources.
The petition goes on to detail the environmental catastrophe caused by these activities. Loss of arable land and polluted water pose a serious threat to the future of agriculture in the region.
A Climate of Fear and Exploitation:
The petition further exposes the unfair tactics employed by the miners. They offer ridiculously low compensation for seized land, with no room for negotiation. Farmers who resist face threats and violence, creating a climate of fear and helplessness.
A Call to Action:
The petition implores the MP to champion their cause in parliament. They plead for national attention to be drawn to the plight of Ellembelle’s cocoa farmers.
They urge stricter enforcement of laws against illegal mining and harsher penalties for perpetrators. Their ultimate goal is the complete eradication of illegal mining activities and the expulsion of these unlawful operators.
A Bleak Outlook, but a Glimmer of Hope:
MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah acknowledges the petition and assures the farmers that their concerns will be addressed by the relevant authorities.
However, he paints a grim picture, stating that the problem is widespread and Ellembelle has already lost all its cocoa farms.
The MP expresses frustration over a perceived lack of concern from authorities, suggesting they may be compromised by the illegal mining rings.
Hope for the Future:
Despite the bleak outlook, the Ellembelle cocoa farmers haven’t given up hope. Their courage and determination to protect their land and legacy serve as an inspiration.
The success of their petition and the potential intervention of the MP offers a glimmer of hope for the future of cocoa farming in Ellembelle.
