Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, has expressed strong criticism towards MIGOP Mining Limited, a foreign-owned gold mining firm, for its actions that are allegedly jeopardizing the livelihood of cocoa farmers in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality in the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Aidoo asserted that the mining company’s attempts to explore and mine in the affected communities, which have resulted in the destruction of several cocoa farms, are unlawful and unacceptable.
“It is unlawful to destroy any cocoa tree or even to remove any tree on the cocoa farm. Which means that you can’t even go there and mine. Even if loggers cannot go and take timber trees, then it means that as for mining, it cannot come to any cocoa farm at all.”
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD
It has been revealed that around 400 acres of cocoa farms are under threat due to MIGOP Mining Limited’s exploration activities. The CEO of COCOBOD declared these actions illegal, emphasizing the protection afforded to cocoa trees under the law.
These farms are part of the newly rehabilitated cocoa farms, an intervention by the Ghana Cocoa Board after an outbreak of Cocoa Swollen Shot Virus Disease in the communities. The destruction of these farms not only threatens the livelihoods of the farmers but also disrupts the recovery efforts initiated by Ghana.
The affected communities include Apuoyem, Brahebebome, Brosanko, Ouagadougou, and Nkotonmire. These communities were beginning to recover from the Cocoa Swollen Shot Virus Disease outbreak, but the mining activities posed a significant threat to their ability to produce cocoa. These communities produce significant amount of cocoa, highlighting the economic impact of the mining activities on the local economy.
“The Minerals Commission is also complicit in whatever that is going on. In this instance that we are discussing, they were issued with an exploration license and not a mining lease. It is only when you’ve gone through all the necessary processes and procedures, then you need the final stage to establish that you have a commercial precious mineral there that is only when you will be issued with a mining lease but in this instance, they only have exploration license from the minerals commission.”
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD
Cocoa Farmers Must Be Protected
The destruction of cocoa farms threatens not only the immediate livelihoods of the farmers but also the future of their children and the country as a whole. The farmers expressed their concerns about the impact on their children’s future and the country’s cocoa production, which is crucial for the national economy.
COCOBOD assured farmers that they will receive compensation for the destruction of their farms. This includes providing legal support to farmers in their claims against MIGOP Mining Limited.
The CEO of COCOBOD stated, “The minerals commission has not followed up to see whether they are doing exploration or mining, and by law, they are not supposed to use heavy machinery through any cocoa farm.”
The government should facilitate dialogue and negotiation between MIGOP Mining Limited and the affected cocoa farmers. This could involve setting up mediation sessions or facilitating discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution that respects the rights of both the mining company and the farmers.
With the decline in cocoa production and the destruction of farms, the government should continue to support the rehabilitation of cocoa farms. This includes providing financial assistance, technical support, and resources to help farmers recover and improve their farms.
Additionally, the government should implement strict enforcement measures against mining companies that engage in illegal activities, such as exploration and mining on cocoa farms. This could include imposing fines, revoking licenses, and taking legal action against companies that fail to comply with the law.
The government must help protect the interests of cocoa farmers, ensure the sustainability of the cocoa industry, and maintain the economic and social stability of the communities affected by MIGOP Mining Limited’s activities.
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