In a recent development, the Koforidua High Court, under the leadership of Her Ladyship Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed (Mrs), has made a significant decision regarding the use of 860 acres of cocoa farmlands earmarked for a military base by the Ghana Armed Forces.
The land in question was originally leased to the military by the Chiefs of Akyem Asafo and Kyebi. However, approximately 40 cocoa farmers, feeling aggrieved by this decision, took action by petitioning various institutions, including Parliament and COCOBOD, in an effort to safeguard their livelihoods.
Despite failed negotiations with local authorities, the affected farmers received assistance from COCOBOD and its legal team to file a motion for an interlocutory injunction at the Koforidua High Court. This resulted in the court granting an injunction on the disputed land, effectively halting any activity until the substantive case is resolved.
Furthermore, the court has directed the plaintiffs to provide site plans and relevant documents covering the land, as there are claims that not all 860 acres consist of cocoa farms. It has also come to light that portions of the land are being used for illegal mining, causing destruction to cocoa trees in the area.
Prof. Michael Kwateng, Head of COCOBOD’s Anti-Illegal Mining Unit, emphasized that such actions violate the Economic Plant Protection Act (Act 47) and have had a detrimental impact on Ghana’s cocoa production capacity in recent years. Given that the cocoa sector is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, these developments have raised concerns about their broader economic implications.
It is worth noting that the affected cocoa farmers have expressed their appreciation for the unwavering support shown by COCOBOD in their pursuit of justice.
This ruling by the Koforidua High Court underscores the importance of balancing competing interests and ensuring sustainable land use practices. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to consider the broader implications for both the affected farmers and the national economy.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
