Chairman of COCOBOD, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has strongly warned individuals against using excavators to destroy cocoa farms, describing the act as a major threat to Ghana’s cocoa industry and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
He issued the caution during a visit to the palace of the Jasikanhene, who also serves as the Adontehene of the Buem Traditional Area, as part of his working tour of the Oti and Volta regions. The visit focused on engaging cocoa farmers regarding rising cases of cocoa smuggling and other activities harming the sector.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo stressed that the destruction of cocoa trees—whether for illegal mining, land development, or other commercial purposes—has severe long-term consequences. He called on communities, traditional authorities, and security agencies to take decisive action against the use of heavy machinery on cocoa farmlands.
“I want the media to capture this very well. Just three days ago, I saw a video of someone using an excavator to pull down cocoa trees, claiming that if cocoa farmers are not well paid, they will destroy the farms and do galamsey instead,” he said. “COCOBOD, under the Ministry of Finance, is submitting a new law to Parliament this October to classify cocoa trees as protected species. Anyone found destroying cocoa trees will face the full rigours of the law.”
He acknowledged farmers’ frustrations due to pricing challenges and the pressures of smuggling but urged them not to resort to destroying plantations. He encouraged closer collaboration between farmers, regulatory bodies, and security agencies to tackle smuggling activities, which have become increasingly rampant.
Farmers expressed optimism that the visit and renewed governmental attention would help safeguard their farms and stabilise the cocoa industry.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to pushing for stronger policies, improved security, and better support systems to protect Ghana’s cocoa sector—one of the country’s most critical economic pillars.
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