president john dramani mahama has announced plans to introduce legislation criminalizing the destruction of cocoa farms for mining activities.

he argues that cocoa cultivation is more economically viable than mining, as it provides year-round income and sustains the land for future use.

speaking after a courtesy call from the ghana cocoa, coffee, and sheanut farmers association, mahama stressed the need to protect cocoa farms to secure the country’s economic future.

“we must ensure 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,” he stated.

“we are exploring legislative measures to prevent cocoa farm destruction for mining.”

mahama also declared 2025 as the “year of correction,” aimed at revitalizing the cocoa sector.

he criticized the ghana cocoa board (cocobod) for poor financial management under the previous administration, citing excessive spending on administrative costs rather than farmer support.

“cocobod’s total debt stands at gh₵3.2 billion, with gh₵9 million due by september. this is money that should have gone to farmers,” he lamented.

he also highlighted declining cocoa production despite an increase in cocobod’s workforce, calling it counterproductive.

to sustain cocoa production, mahama stressed the need for fair pricing, advocating for farmers to receive at least 70% of cocoa revenue.

“in the past four years, producer prices remained stagnant despite currency depreciation. this year will be a year of correction to address these issues and restore the industry,” he affirmed.