The District Cocoa Officer for Bekwai District in the Ashanti Region, Mr Prince Kofi Amaoko says illegal mining activities in the area are hampering the progress of cocoa farming in the area.
Mr Amoako who has expressed doubt about the future of cocoa farming in the country due to the uncontrolled felling of cocoa trees by illegal miners has called for immediate action to protect cocoa farms.
He said this during an event to educate cocoa farmers dubbed “Cocoa Rally” at Pampaso community on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Speaking to Nancy Boamaah, a student of OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies at the sidelines of the event, Mr Prince Kofi Amaoko said Ghana will suffer if authorities allow cocoa farms to be destroyed by gold miners.
He charged all Ghanaians to support the fight against ‘galamsey’ in cocoa growing areas as a form of deliberately protecting national pride.
“I am calling on all and sundry to join the campaign in sensitising farmers about the economic, nutritional and health benefits derived from cocoa cultivation as against the immediate benefits that galamsey seeks to promise.
Some of the cocoa farmers who were at the event commended the District Cocoa officers for the education.
They said the event was an eye-opener as it paved the way for the farmers to get important information on cocoa farming.
They however called on the government to stop the menace of illegal mining on cocoa farms.
Source: Modernghana
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