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.
