Cocoa farmers in Adansi Ahensan in the Fomena District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region say they are not ready to sell their farms for illegal mining, despite growing concern over a recent cut in cocoa producer prices.
The farmers are demanding clarity from the government over the factors that led to the reduction, saying the explanation will guide their next steps. Some say they feel the ruling government has not adequately protected the financial interests of cocoa producers.
Adansi Ahensan is predominantly a farming community, with most residents engaged in cocoa and food crop cultivation.
On 12 February 2026, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) reduced the producer price of cocoa to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season. The new price represents a 28% decrease from the previous GH¢3,625 per bag.
COCOBOD said the adjustment was aimed at aligning domestic prices with declining global market trends and addressing managerial challenges within the sector.
The decision has triggered dissatisfaction in some cocoa-growing areas, where a number of farmers have reportedly threatened to sell their lands for mining, including illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey.
In Adansi Ahensan, however, reactions are mixed.
John Kwame Sarkodie, a cocoa farmer in the community, said he was worried about the fall in cocoa prices both locally and internationally. But he insisted that selling his farm for mining was not an option.
“The last thing I will consider in my life is to sell my cocoa farm for mining,” he told GHOne News.
Another farmer, Kwaku Antwi, said he did not believe the government alone should be blamed for developments in the cocoa sector. He called on his fellow farmers to cooperate with authorities to help address the challenges confronting the industry.
But Cynthia Oforiwaa, also a cocoa farmer in the area, said she was contemplating selling her farm for mining due to the economic strain caused by the price cut.
The differing views highlight the difficult choices facing cocoa farmers as they balance financial pressures with the long-term environmental and social impact of illegal mining.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
