Cocoa crisis in Ghana: Farmers warn of a possible collapse in five years

Ghana’s cocoa sector, a pillar of the country’s economy, is on the brink of imminent collapse, with a possible extinction expected within the next five years if current challenges are not addressed. This is the concern expressed by the National Cocoa Growers Association, which has warned authorities about the risks facing the industry. According to Stephenson Anane Boateng, president of the Association, illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey”, has caused serious damage to cocoa farmland. The destructive practice, coupled with deforestation and pollution, has compromised the viability of plantations, negatively impacting productivity. Cocoa farmers are also struggling to cope with aging cocoa trees, as well as diseases and pests that have become increasingly prevalent. The combination of these factors is resulting in a significant drop in cocoa production, directly affecting farmers’ livelihoods. Recent data from COCOBOD for the 2022/23 season reveals a worrying loss of ...