Cocoa farmers within the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region are calling on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, to intervene in what they describe as a forceful takeover of their farmlands by the Ghana Bauxite Company.
The affected farmers claim that the company is attempting to clear large portions of cocoa farms in Sehwi Atronsu and surrounding areas to pave the way for the construction of a bauxite refinery.
They fear the move will destroy their livelihoods and undermine years of hard work and investment in cocoa farming.
Speaking during Dr. Abbey’s maiden working visit to the region, Andrew Asare, a cocoa farmer at Atronsu, said the company has already earmarked some cocoa farms for destruction.
He described the development as deeply troubling and appealed to COCOBOD for immediate intervention to prevent the destruction of their farms.
“We rely solely on cocoa to survive. If these farms are cleared, we will lose everything,” Mr. Asare said emotionally, stressing the urgency of the situation.
In response, Dr. Randy Abbey assured the farmers that COCOBOD will not abandon them and will take steps to engage the relevant stakeholders to find a solution.
He urged the farmers to remain calm and continue cooperating with COCOBOD as it works to safeguard their interests and protect the cocoa sector.
He reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to promoting the welfare of cocoa farmers and sustaining the country’s cocoa production amidst increasing threats from illegal mining and industrial encroachments.