Cocoa farmers in parts of the Ashanti Region have threatened to sell their farms to illegal miners following persistent delays in payments for cocoa beans sold since November 2025.
The affected farmers say the prolonged delay has deepened economic hardship in their communities, leaving many unable to cater for their families and meet essential obligations such as school fees and household expenses.
According to the farmers, the lack of payment has left them with little option but to consider alternative buyers or succumb to pressure from illegal mining operators—commonly referred to as galamsey—who are offering immediate cash.
Speaking to Citi News, an opinion leader of Huu Akwanserem in the Amansie Central District, Nana Owusu Asim Panin II, expressed deep frustration over the situation.
“I sold my cocoa on November 28, 2025, but I still haven’t received any payment. I have children in school and a wife to provide for. It’s very difficult. If this problem isn’t fixed, we might end up selling our cocoa to galamsey operators just to get our money,” he said.
He warned that continued delays could push more farmers to release their lands to illegal miners, a development that could have long-term consequences for cocoa production and environmental sustainability in the region.
Nana Owusu Asim Panin II also criticised the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), accusing the leadership of being disconnected from the realities facing cocoa farmers.
“We need a farmer as CEO of Ghana Cocoa because they understand our problems. Politics is killing us. Randy Abbey doesn’t know anything about farming; he just reads from books,” he said, in reference to COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, Randy Abbey.
The farmers are calling on the government and COCOBOD to urgently clear outstanding arrears to prevent further deterioration in the cocoa sector, which remains a key contributor to Ghana’s export earnings and rural livelihoods.