The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced its collaboration with relevant state institutions to undertake a review of existing laws pertaining to the destruction of cocoa trees, particularly by illegal miners known as ‘Galamsey’ operators.
During the Ministry of Information’s ‘Meet the Press’ series in Accra, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, emphasized the necessity of this review in response to the indiscriminate felling of cocoa trees for mining purposes. He highlighted that the review aligns with the Economic Plant Protection Act 1979, which currently imposes insufficient sanctions for the destruction of cocoa trees.
Aidoo also drew attention to the inadequate compensation for affected farmers, citing the current rate of approximately 80 cedis per tree as insufficient. He stressed that this amount does not fairly compensate farmers who could potentially yield significant harvests from each cocoa tree, thereby impacting their livelihoods.
Describing cocoa as a strategic commodity crucial to the country's foreign exchange earnings, Aidoo urged stakeholders to prioritize the protection of cocoa and other national commodities that contribute significantly to the economy.
Furthermore, COCOBOD is dedicated to supporting farmers by implementing initiatives such as a new cocoa financing model, cocoa management system, cocoa traceability system, and sustainability and climate-smart cocoa production. Additionally, the organization has introduced interventions including farmer income support, remunerative producer prices, and a cocoa farmers’ pension scheme, alongside the establishment of a comprehensive farmer database.
Ray Ankrah, COCOBOD's Deputy Chief Executive in charge of finance and administration, highlighted the successful repayment of the syndicated loan contract and a facility obtained from the African Development Bank. He also emphasized the company’s focus on cost rationalization and reducing quasi-fiscal expenditure, resulting in a profitability of GH¢ 2.3 billion in 2022 and 2023.
Ankrah further emphasized COCOBOD’s achievements in productivity, digitization, sustainability, and farmer welfare since 2017, with ongoing programs aimed at revitalizing Ghana's cocoa and shea sectors.
The commitment of COCOBOD to safeguarding the cocoa industry and enhancing the welfare of farmers is evident through these collaborative efforts and initiatives. The review of laws concerning the destruction of cocoa trees and the various support programs demonstrate a proactive approach towards sustaining the country's cocoa sector and ensuring the well-being of those involved in its cultivation.
