Cocoa farmers in Akoase, located in the Birim North Municipality of the Eastern Region, are in conflict with illegal miners—commonly known as galamsey operators—over the destruction of their cocoa seedlings and farmlands.
The farmers, supported by Yonkopa Cocoa Company Ltd in Akoase near Nkawkaw, say the activities of these miners are threatening their livelihoods.
Several cocoa plantations have reportedly been destroyed, with some farmers arrested and detained after confronting the miners.
In some cases, the galamsey operators have filed complaints against the farmers, resulting in police action.
The farmers are accusing the illegal miners of robbing them of their lifelong investments and the legacies they hope to pass on to future generations.
They also lament that the unregulated mining activities—some of which take place near residential areas—have led to tragic incidents, including the reported death of a child who fell into an abandoned mining pit.
The affected cocoa farmers are urgently calling on the government, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and local opinion leaders to intervene and halt the destruction.
They warn that failure to act may force them to take the law into their own hands in a desperate bid to protect their lands and livelihoods.
The farmers are demanding immediate intervention and stricter enforcement of laws to preserve Ghana’s cocoa sector from further harm.
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