The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has warned that Ghana could lose its enviable position as the second leading cocoa producer in the world if stringent measures are not taken to protect cocoa farms from illegal mining activities.
The caution comes after the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, disclosed that the organisation has refunded $250 million it acquired from the African Development Bank for irrigation purposes in cocoa farms due to contamination of water bodies in farming areas.
Ghana is currently the second leading producer of cocoa in the world after Ivory Coast. Ghana also produces the world’s premium cocoa beans, making commodity from the country best preferred.
Speaking to the media the General Secretary of GAWU, Edward Kareweh said other countries are making strong efforts to overtake Ghana in cocoa production by developing sustainable environmental practices.
He stated that more farmers are abandoning their farms due to the level of water pollution in farm areas.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
