The move seeks to ensure stringent punishment for perpetrators in the face of the increasing destruction of cocoa trees across the country by illegal miners whose activities continue to threaten the cocoa sector which remains the backbone of the economy.
Speaking at a farmers’ rally to mark the 2025 “May Day” at Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality, the COCOBOD CEO expressed concern over the alarming rate at which illegal miners are taking over cocoa farms because the existing laws protecting the cash crop is not punitive enough.
“The cocoa tree is not protected and that is why people can indiscriminately cut cocoa trees under the pretext of mining,” Dr. Abbey lamented.
He said just as minerals found anywhere in Ghana are held in trust by the President for the people, there must be laws to prevent the unjustifiable destruction of cocoa trees.
“Apart from rehabilitation of moribund and diseased cocoa farms which are implemented under the supervision of COCOBOD, no one has the right to cut down cocoa trees for any reason,” the CEO emphasised.
He hinted that the proposed legal reforms would also make it illegal for cocoa farmers to lease or sell their farms for mining or other unauthorised purposes.
He noted that the outdated nature of current laws allows individuals to acquire prospecting permits which they then exploit to invade and destroy cocoa farms.
“These laws have long outlived their relevance and no longer reflect the realities on the ground. We urgently need to revise them to protect the cocoa sector from further decline, Dr Abbey emphasised.
He reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to shielding the industry from the destructive impact of illegal mining and called on cocoa farmers to resist the lure for quick financial gains from miners.
According to him, farmers have a duty to support the national economy and preserve their lands as a legacy for future generations.
Dr. Abbey called for the cooperation of all stakeholders as COCOBOD embarks on a new direction to restore and sustain Ghana’s cocoa industry
GNA
