President John Mahama has proposed a law to criminalize the destruction of cocoa farms for mining, emphasizing that cocoa farming provides long-term economic benefits compared to mining, which leaves the land barren after gold extraction.
Speaking after a meeting with the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association, President Mahama stressed the need to preserve cocoa farms as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy. “Cocoa trees can generate revenue for over 30 years, whereas mining renders the land useless. It’s more beneficial to protect cocoa farms for future generations,” he said.
He announced that his government is exploring legislative measures to prevent cocoa farm destruction and declared 2025 as the “Year of Correction” to revamp the struggling cocoa sector. According to him, Ghana must prioritize its cocoa industry, which has been a major export earner and a source of livelihood for millions of farmers.
President Mahama also criticized COCOBOD’s financial mismanagement under the previous administration, highlighting its GH₵3.2 billion debt and excessive spending. He revealed that GH₵3.4 billion was spent last year, much of it on administrative expenses rather than directly benefiting farmers. He expressed concern over declining cocoa production, even as COCOBOD’s workforce continued to expand.
To address the industry’s struggles, President Mahama called for fair pricing, advocating that farmers receive at least 70% of the international market price to sustain the sector. “In previous years, producer prices fell below 40%, discouraging farmers. We need a pricing structure that ensures cocoa farmers earn what they deserve,” he said.
He further criticized past policies that failed to adjust cocoa prices despite currency depreciation, saying they contributed to financial hardships for farmers. “This year will be a year of correction to restore the cocoa sector, ensure fair prices, and protect our farmers,” he concluded.