According to Mr. Asuman, the destructive activities of illegal miners are rapidly eroding the foundations of cocoa production by destroying vast stretches of fertile farmland, polluting critical water bodies, and drawing labour away from cocoa farms.

Speaking at Samahu in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality during the presentation of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, he said more than 19,000 hectares of productive cocoa farms have already been lost to illegal mining activities in major cocoa-producing regions, including Ashanti, Western and Central.

He noted that excavators are being deployed on cocoa lands to remove topsoil and create deep mining pits, leaving once-thriving plantations permanently damaged.

“Illegal mining is currently the biggest obstacle facing Ghana’s cocoa industry. It is destroying fertile land, contaminating our rivers with harmful chemicals and creating labour shortages that are affecting cocoa production across the country,” he stated.

Mr. Asuman warned that the continued destruction of cocoa farms is contributing to declining national output and reducing Ghana’s cocoa export volumes, with serious implications for foreign exchange earnings and the financial sustainability of COCOBOD.

He explained that falling production levels are limiting the cocoa regulator’s ability to meet its financial obligations and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of cocoa farmers.

“If urgent measures are not implemented, the cocoa industry in Ghana will perish,” he cautioned.

The Cocoa Farmers Support Programme forms part of efforts to boost cocoa yields, improve household incomes and strengthen the long-term resilience of farming communities in cocoa-growing areas.

The Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, also expressed concern about the growing trend of cocoa farmers selling their lands to illegal miners in exchange for immediate financial gains.

He said many farmers fail to appreciate the long-term value of cocoa cultivation, opting instead for short-term benefits that ultimately leave them worse off.

“The money they take from galamsey operators may sustain them for a short period, but cocoa is a lifelong investment that can support generations,” the MP noted.

Mr. Cudjoe commended initiatives such as the Gold Fields Foundation’s support programme, saying they provide much-needed incentives for farmers to remain committed to cocoa production and resist the temptation to engage in illegal mining activities.

Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the programme is designed to increase cocoa productivity, raise farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods in both mining and cocoa-growing communities.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the economic well-being of farmers while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

In a statement issued during the current pricing window, the Secretariat disclosed through Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, that the approved selling price of premix fuel has been fixed at GH¢5.60 per litre, with corresponding prices set for various container sizes used by fishing communities.

Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasized that strict monitoring mechanisms have been implemented to ensure that all Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) adhere to the approved rates, warning against any unauthorized price increases that could burden fisherfolk and undermine the livelihoods of coastal communities.

According to her the approved pricing schedule, a gallon of premix fuel will sell for GH¢25.20, while a seven-gallon yellow container has been pegged at GH¢176.40.

The approved prices for blue drums are GH¢2,016 for an 80-gallon drum, GH¢1,764 for a 70-gallon drum, and GH¢1,260 for a 50-gallon drum.

The Secretariat also approved an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) charge of GH¢73.062 per drum.

Authorities say the enforcement of the approved prices aims to protect artisanal fishing communities from exploitation while ensuring a stable and transparent distribution system for premix fuel nationwide.

The National Premix Fuel Secretariat further called on all stakeholders, including Landing Beach Committees, fishers, and fuel distributors, to cooperate in promoting accountability and sustainable management of the sector.

The Secretariat reiterated that adhering to the approved pricing regime remains crucial to supporting Ghana’s fisheries industry growth and advancing the country’s broader blue economy agenda.

The 2025 celebration officially began on Monday, December 1, with the opening of the National Agricultural Fair at the Ho Sports Stadium. The fair, which attracted thousands of farmers, agribusiness innovators, researchers, investors, and policymakers, set the stage for a full week of exhibitions and knowledge-sharing.

This year’s theme — “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” — highlights the country’s renewed focus on food security, agricultural innovation, and long-term sustainability. Exhibitors are showcasing modern technologies, climate-smart solutions, and improved farming systems designed to boost productivity and strengthen Ghana’s food value chain.

Later today, President John Dramani Mahama is expected to present national awards to the most outstanding farmers, fishers, and agricultural professionals across multiple categories. These include crop production, livestock, fisheries, agro-processing, innovation, and community development.

Thousands of Ghanaians across the country will also join regional and district-level celebrations where deserving farmers will be recognised for their contribution to local and national food security.

Instituted in 1985, Farmers’ Day remains one of Ghana’s most important national events, paying tribute to the men and women whose dedication keeps the country’s food systems running and supports millions of livelihoods.

As Ghana celebrates this year’s milestone, the focus remains on strengthening agriculture, improving resilience, and creating a future where farming continues to drive national growth.

source: AlmightyNews

Vice Chair of the Competitive Africa Rice Platform, Dr. Ama Aning Oppong-Duah, revealed on JoyNews’ PM Express that many farmers are unable to sell their previous harvest while more rice continues to flood the market.

“We still have unsold rice from last year, and more is coming in,” she said, highlighting the growing challenge facing local producers.

According to Dr. Oppong-Duah, the crisis began last year when farmers produced at a time when the dollar was high, forcing them to purchase inputs such as fertiliser and seed at inflated prices. However, after harvesting, the Ghanaian cedi began to appreciate, making imported rice cheaper and pushing locally grown rice out of the market.

“When that happened, it became cheaper for people to bring in foreign rice. Farmers had already produced at a higher cost, and suddenly imported rice became more affordable,” she explained.

She further noted that the National Buffer Stock Company’s limited purchasing activity — due to a transition period under the new administration — worsened the problem.

“They weren’t buying as they were supposed to, so it created a murky situation for farmers,” she added.

The outcome has been devastating: tons of Ghanaian rice sitting idle in warehouses while traders and consumers opt for cheaper imports.

Despite these setbacks, farmers were encouraged to plant again this year following new government directives and access to inputs. Yet, the growing surplus poses another economic and logistical headache.

“We are now in the harvesting season, and the rice from last year is still sitting because we haven’t been able to sell — and there’s more rice coming in,” Dr. Oppong-Duah lamented.

The situation underscores the urgent need for stronger market linkages, sustainable pricing policies, and renewed government support to protect local farmers and promote Ghana’s rice self-sufficiency agenda.

source: myjoyonline

Cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Assin Fosu District are urging the government to keep politics out of the cocoa sector, arguing that partisan interference is hindering fair pricing and industry stability. Award-winning farmer Samuel Tobi, with 36 acres across three farms including Otabil Nkwanta, highlighted how new governments swap experienced officials for political allies, disrupting cocoa management at COCOBOD.

source: myjoyonline

President John Mahama will open the Expo, which aims to foster trade, sustainability, and innovation in the shea value chain. The World Shea Expo 2025 will position Ghana as a global leader. Stay updated on the World Shea Expo 2025 and its impact on sustainable growth!

Cocoa farmers in Ghana are expressing disappointment over the government’s new producer price of $5,040 per tonne for the 2025/26 season, a 62.58% increase from $3,100, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on August 4, 2025, per JoyNews. Emmanuel Nodjo, a farmer with seven acres, told JoyNews’ PM Express that the price falls short of the expected $4,000 minimum, leaving farmers frustrated.

But for farmers like Emmanuel Nodjo, the jump is not good enough.

Dr. Forson defended the hike, stating it aligns with President John Mahama’s pledge to deliver 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value, contrasting it with the previous NPP administration’s 63.9% of $4,850 in 2024/25. Despite the increase, farmers like Nodjo argue it doesn’t reflect their labor. The Ghana cocoa price hike has sparked debate over fair compensation.

Stay updated on the Ghana cocoa price hike and its impact on farmers!

source: myjoyonline

Farmers report a good mix of pod sizes but warn that without more rain and sunshine soon, crop yields could suffer. In areas like Agboville and Abengourou, bean supply is tight, though expected to improve by mid-August. Some growers are stockpiling beans, anticipating a price hike from the current 2,200 CFA francs ($3.90) per kg in October, driven by the upcoming presidential election, as noted by Bloomberg.

The Ivory Coast cocoa concerns highlight risks to global supply. Stay updated on how weather impacts the 2025/26 cocoa season!

source: myjoyonline