BTA2023 Deputy Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has raised concerns about cocoa farmers selling their lands to illegal miners due to low cocoa prices in Ghana.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, Dumelo emphasized that many farmers struggle to sustain their livelihoods, making illegal mining a more attractive financial alternative.
Issues Highlighted
- Low cocoa prices are forcing farmers to abandon agriculture for illegal mining.
- Higher cocoa prices could incentivize farmers to retain their lands and continue farming.
- Better mining regulations are needed to prevent the destruction of cocoa farmlands.
Dumelo’s Call to Action
- Increase cocoa prices to make farming more profitable than illegal mining.
- Strengthen mining regulations to protect agricultural lands.
He emphasized that while regulating mining is essential, pricing remains the biggest issue in sustaining cocoa farming in Ghana.
