Galamsey’ activities likely to affect cocoa production target

The rate of illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, could cutback Ghana’s target of 900,000 metric tonnes of cocoa production set for the 2016/2017 crop season if immediate steps are not taken to address the menace, industry experts have warned.

Cocoa production for 2015/2016 crop year stood at 690,000 metric tonnes, falling short by 160,000 metric tonnes of the targeted 850,000 metric tonnes. The deficit among others was attributed to unfavorable weather conditions and weak managerial policies of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod).

Although it is seen that good agronomic practices such as timely supply of fertilizer and other chemicals and improved extension services coupled with the steady investments in the sector could make the projection of the 900,000 metric tonnes attainable, galamsey activities in cocoa growing areas remain a huge challenge.

For instance in most cocoa growing districts such as Amansie West, in the Ashanti region, illegal mining operators have taken over so many cocoa farms and lands.

Programme Manager of Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification Programme (CORIP), for Ghana, Mr. Eric Amoako Agyare, observed that galamsey operations threaten efforts to transform the cocoa industry.

 Source://www.ghanaweb.com/