The Member of Parliament for Offinso South, Isaac Yaw Opoku, has urged cocoa farmers in the Ahafo Region not to surrender their farmlands to illegal miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, amid persistent challenges in the cocoa sector.

Opoku made the appeal during the Minority Caucus in Parliament’s visit to the region, aimed at gaining firsthand insight into farmers’ struggles, particularly delays in government payments for purchased cocoa beans.

He also called on the government to address farmers’ concerns promptly to help sustain the sector and protect livelihoods.

“As you are aware, Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer in the world. Other countries are threatening to overtake us, and some farmers are considering abandoning their cocoa farms. Some are even thinking of giving their farms to galamsey operators, while others consider cutting them down to plant other crops. My advice is not to take such drastic steps. Better times are ahead, and nobody should hand over or destroy their cocoa farms,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has disbursed approximately GH¢4.2 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) for onward payment to cocoa farmers who have been owed since November of last year.

The payments are part of ongoing efforts to clear outstanding arrears in the cocoa sector and restore confidence among farmers and industry stakeholders.