Deputy Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has called for fair cocoa pricing as a solution to the increasing sale of farmlands for illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking before the Appointments Committee during his vetting, Dumelo argued that better cocoa prices would discourage farmers from leasing their lands to illegal miners, who often offer them quick financial gains.
According to Dumelo, many cocoa farmers struggle with low incomes due to fluctuating global prices and high production costs. This, he stated, makes them vulnerable to offers from illegal miners who promise instant financial relief.
“If cocoa farmers were paid fair prices for their produce, they wouldn’t feel the need to sell their lands to galamsey operators. The issue is largely economic,” he stressed.
He further emphasized the importance of government intervention in securing better international market prices for Ghanaian cocoa farmers. He also proposed incentives such as improved access to loans, subsidized farming inputs, and infrastructure development to make cocoa farming more profitable.
Galamsey, or illegal small-scale mining, has been a major challenge in Ghana, causing severe environmental degradation, water pollution, and deforestation. The activity has also led to a reduction in arable land for cocoa production, threatening the country’s position as a leading global cocoa producer.
Hon. Minister Designate assured the committee that, if approved as Deputy Minister, he would work closely with stakeholders to address the root causes of galamsey and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
