Ghana's Cocoa Bean Production to Reduce to 700,000MT Due to Illegal Mining

Cocoa bean production from Ghana for the 2023 season is likely to decrease to about 700,000MT due to the destruction of cocoa farms by illegal miners called "galamser." A portion of cocoa producers are giving out their farms to illegal gold miners in exchange for large sums of money which the producers consider as more lucrative compared to the proceeds from their cocoa farms. This development is gradually eroding Ghana's reputation as a premium cocoa bean producer in the international market and may lead to a shortfall in foreign currency generation. The government has started holding discussions with various stakeholders within the cocoa sector to find lasting solutions to the problem.