More than 150 hectares (375 acres) of rehabilitated cocoa farms across Brahabebome, Apuoyem, Brosanko, Nkontomire, and Ouagadougou in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality are facing a dire threat.
MIGOP Mining Limited, a foreign mining entity, has encroached upon these farms for its mining ventures. Despite resistance from farmers, the company, purportedly licensed by the Minerals Commission for prospecting, is relentlessly destroying vast portions of the rejuvenated farms.
According to farmers who spoke with the Ghana News Agency, the mining company has erected barriers in the area and deployed excavators and other heavy machinery to uproot newly rehabilitated cocoa trees and vegetation, making way for its mining activities.
These communities were beneficiaries of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme (2021-2023) undertaken by the government through COCOBOD. However, the land, now given out as concessions for mining exploration, threatens to undo the progress made in rejuvenating cocoa production in the area.
Despite rejecting the company’s offer of GHC 10,000.00 per acre of land, the farmers find themselves battling against the company’s relentless pursuit of mining prospecting. Distressed by the situation, farmers have appealed to COCOBOD for intervention to safeguard their livelihoods.
A team from COCOBOD, led by Professor Michael Kwarteng, Head of the Anti-illegal Mining Unit, visited the area in response to the farmers’ distress calls. Clad in red armbands, symbolizing their displeasure, farmers expressed their frustrations over the potential loss of their livelihoods.
Prof. Kwarteng expressed dismay at the wanton destruction of cocoa trees and emphasized the need to protect the farms under the Economic Plant Protection Act. He warned that failure to halt the company’s activities could jeopardize thousands of hectares of cocoa farms in the Nkawie Cocoa District.
Mr. Richard Gyasi, the Community Relations Officer of the mining company, refuted allegations leveled against them by the farmers. He claimed the company was only prospecting for gold and provided compensation to affected farmers.
