Cocoa farmers blame ‘galamseyers’ over decline in cocoa production

Cocoa farmers in Segyimase and Osino, Eastern Region, blame declining cocoa production on illegal mining activities.

They cite poverty and government neglect as reasons some have sold cocoa plantations to 'galamseyers'. Eno Lawrencia Akufo lost her plantation while away for medical check-up.

Opanyin Emmanuel Takyi, an opinion leader, highlights how 18 acres of his cocoa farms were affected. Ghana's cocoa output for 2023/24 is expected to fall 40% short of the 820,000 metric tonne target due to global prices and reduced exports.

Illegal mining has encroached on cocoa farms in Osino, with significant losses reported despite previous calls for enforcement near highways.