Former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Henry Kokofu, has issued a stark warning regarding a potential embargo on Ghana’s cocoa bean exports to the global market.
This caution, according to Mr. Kokofu, stems from the escalating activities of illegal miners, which threaten to jeopardize the quality and safety of Ghana’s cocoa production.
Mr. Kokofu, alongside fellow environmental analysts, expressed deep concern over the alarming pollution levels in the country, attributing much of it to human activities that pose significant environmental risks.
Speaking at a public lecture held at the Kumasi Technical University, Mr. Kokofu highlighted the urgent need to address these pressing issues.
Kwabena Kokofu emphasized the pivotal role of the cocoa industry as a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s economy but also pointed out the significant challenges it confronts due to illegal mining activities.
He emphasized that the cocoa industry, which has traditionally served as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, is currently facing severe difficulties because of illegal mining.
Beyond the direct impact of depriving farmlands and rendering them unsuitable for agriculture, cocoa is also facing contamination issues.
Kokofu warned that if this contamination continues unchecked, it could lead to repercussions in the global market. He expressed concern that international scrutiny citing contamination in Ghana’s cocoa beans would reflect poorly on the country and its people.
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Story by: Osei Akoto(Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
