The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has raised alarm over the destruction of more than 100,000 acres of cocoa farms due to illegal mining activities.
Farmers expressed deep concerns about the devastating impact on cocoa-growing regions, where farmlands are being wiped out in the pursuit of gold.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi News, the Association’s President called for immediate government action to stop the destruction and safeguard the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
“They are destroying cocoa farms and lands for illegal mining, and we haven’t heard any response. If the government is unaware of the damage, the cocoa board has informed farmers that there’s little they can do, given the scale of harm and the influential people involved in gold mining.
“Even now, the government has rebranded it as community mining. What is community mining? It’s just the same as illegal mining.
“Over 100,000 acres of farmlands have been destroyed, severely affecting us this year. Many cocoa trees have been cut down, making it difficult to achieve the usual harvest.
“I believe the government should declare a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining. All mining operations should be suspended, and after the elections, a commission should be established to investigate illegal mining and develop a plan for responsible mining in Ghana.
“Otherwise, people will continue chasing gold illegally, and lives and properties will remain at risk,” he emphasized.
Source: Adomonline
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