Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Chairman of COCOBOD, has issued a stern warning against the use of excavators to destroy cocoa farms, describing such actions as a serious threat to Ghana’s cocoa industry and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
He made the remarks during a visit to the palace of the Jasikanhene, who also serves as the Adontehene of the Buem Traditional Area, as part of his working tour of the Oti and Volta regions. The tour aimed to engage cocoa farmers on rising cases of cocoa smuggling and other activities negatively impacting the sector.
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo emphasized that the destruction of cocoa trees whether for illegal mining, land development, or other commercial purposes has severe long-term consequences. He called on communities, traditional authorities, and security agencies to take decisive action against the use of heavy machinery on cocoa farmlands.
“I want the media to capture this clearly. Just three days ago, I saw a video of someone using an excavator to pull down cocoa trees, claiming that if cocoa farmers are not well paid, they will destroy the farms and turn to galamsey,” he said. “COCOBOD, under the Ministry of Finance, is submitting a new law to Parliament this October to classify cocoa trees as protected species. Anyone found destroying cocoa trees will face the full rigours of the law.”
Acknowledging farmers’ frustrations over pricing challenges and smuggling pressures, he urged them not to resort to destroying plantations. He also encouraged stronger collaboration between farmers, regulatory bodies, and security agencies to combat the growing menace of cocoa smuggling.
Farmers expressed optimism that the visit and renewed governmental attention would help safeguard their farms and stabilize the cocoa industry.
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to implementing stronger policies, enhancing security, and improving support systems to protect Ghana’s cocoa sector, a cornerstone of the country’s economy.
