The Western North Regional Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Michael Aidoo, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of cocoa farmers selling their farms to illegal miners, known as ‘galamseyers’.
According to Aidoo, this development is a result of government neglect and the deteriorating state of the cocoa sector, which has led to a decline in interest among farmers. Aidoo stated that the situation has devastated elderly farmers in rural areas, who are now selling their farms to galamseyers due to the unprofitability of farming.
In an interview on June 5, Aidoo highlighted that under former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure, Ghana’s cocoa production reached approximately 900,000 tonnes annually.
However, this figure has plummeted to around 500,000 tonnes under the current administration, indicating a significant decline.
Aidoo attributed this decline to the current government’s failure to provide essential support to cocoa farmers, such as free fertilizers and farm spraying services. He also criticized the government for delaying the increase in cocoa prices, which has compounded the struggles of farmers.
Aidoo expressed a widespread sentiment among farmers who are nostalgic for the days of Mahama’s presidency, when their needs were addressed, and their livelihoods were supported.
He concluded that the farmers are now crying out for John Mahama, indicating a loss of trust in the current government’s ability to support their needs. The situation highlights the need for the government to address the challenges facing cocoa farmers and revitalize the sector to ensure the livelihoods of farmers and the country’s economy.
