Cocoa farmers cut down diseased trees as lack of spraying spreads infection

Some cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region have begun cutting down diseased trees for lack of chemicals to spray their farms.

The development comes in the in the wake of widespread reports of diversion and stealing of chemicals meant for mass cocoa spraying.

A 500- member Joint Cocoa Farmers Association in the Ahafo Ano South and the Atwima Nwabiagya South Districts warns of massive destruction if government fails to act to save the industry.

The farmers’ concern confirms an investigative report by Luv FM on how even security personnel aid illegal sale of cocoa inputs.

Erastus Asare Donkor who investigated the allegations reports that some farmers blame Chief Executive of Cocobod, Dr Stephen Opuni, the lack of chemicals to spray their farms.

The cocoa farmers have called on President John Mahama to remove Dr Opuni from post, claiming he has failed them.