President Mahama proposes new law to criminalise cocoa farm destruction for mining purposes
In order to make the destruction of cash crops, such as cocoa, for mining purposes illegal, President John Mahama is putting forth new laws.
He argues that growing cocoa, which can produce revenue year-round, is more economically sound than mining, which leaves the ground bare after the gold is taken out.
He stated that maintaining cocoa output is essential to the nation’s economy after receiving a courtesy call from the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association.
“We have to ensure that people are not cutting down cocoa trees to mine gold. Once the land is mined out, it becomes useless, whereas cocoa trees can yield revenue for 30 years or more. It makes more sense to preserve cocoa farms than to mine the land and render it barren for future generations,” Mahama stated.
“We are exploring legislative measures to prevent cocoa farm destruction for mining,” he added.
In an effort to get the cocoa industry back on track, President Mahama also proclaimed 2025 to be the “Year of Correction.”
In particular, he criticized the GH₵3.4 billion spent last year by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the previous administration, which he claims was mostly utilized for headquarters and administrative costs.
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