We Can't Allow Galamsey To Take Over Cocoa Production - Regional Minister

The Eastern regional minister, Antwi Boasiako Sekyere has expressed worry at the rate galamsey is destroying cocoa lands in the region and has appealed to all stakeholders to help end the canker.

The regional minister said this at Akyem Tafo in the East Akyem municipality at this year's National cocoa festival which was under the theme: "Sustainable cocoa production: The role of the youth".

According to him, most cocoa lands have been destroyed by the activities of illegal mining.

"It is so sad to know that most of our lands are being destroyed due to galamsey activities of which the youth are mostly involved" he said.

Hon. Boasiako Sekyere urged the chiefs and the traditional authorities to desist from giving out lands for illegal mining but rather encourage the youth to use them for cocoa production.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni said his outfit is commited to get more youth into cocoa production hence, the Youth In Cocoa Initiative.

He said the company will continue to assist farmers with inputs and fertilizers to help increase the production of cocoa in the country.

He, therefore, warned cocoa officers to desist from charging farmers of services been rendered free by COCOBOD since culprits would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Dr. Anim Kwapong, Executive Director of Cocoa Research Institute Of Ghana(CRIG), commended the new management of COCOBOD of their initiative to bring on board more youth into cocoa production and pledged his outfit's support to the initiative.

He advised the youth to channel their energies and resources into cocoa production because it is now a lucreative business.