Galamsey: Fair cocoa prices will stop farmers from selling lands – Dumelo

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Deputy Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has bemoaned the growing trend of cocoa farmers giving up their farms to galamsey operators.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, Dumelo attributed the phenomenon to low cocoa prices, arguing that many farmers see illegal mining as a more lucrative alternative.

The Ayawaso West Wuogon Member of Parliament (MP) is therefore advocating for improved cocoa pricing to discourage farmers from selling their farmlands.

“Giving cocoa farmers the right price will deter them from selling their cocoa farms,” Dumelo stated.

He further proposed better regulations in the mining sector to minimize its adverse effects on agriculture.

“Another crucial step is to properly structure the mining industry so that its operations do not harm cocoa farms. However, the primary issue remains pricing,” he added.

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