The issue of illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, has become topical in recent times as farmlands have been destroyed, water bodies have turned milky brown, and people living in mining areas are battling for their lives due to the contamination of their water sources and inhalation of toxic chemicals.

As today marks International Cocoa Day, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has urged Ghanaians to fight against illegal mining and the smuggling of cocoa to neighboring countries.

COCOBOD stated categorically that illegal mining and cocoa smuggling are the two major threats to the sector's sustainability.

In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb Business, it bemoaned the dire consequences of illegal mining on farmlands and the entire country at large.

Regarding the smuggling of this essential commodity, COCOBOD said it undermines the financial returns and long-term viability of the industry as the move deprives both farmers and the country of the rightful earnings from substantial investments in cocoa production.

"COCOBOD emphasizes the urgent need for collective national action to safeguard the integrity of Ghana's cocoa industry. We call on all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining and cocoa smuggling, two significant threats to the sector's sustainability," part of the release read.

"Illegal mining continues to degrade farmlands, compromising the very foundation of cocoa farming, while cocoa smuggling undermines the financial returns and long-term viability of the industry by depriving farmers and the nation of rightful earnings from substantial investments in cocoa production," it added.

The commemoration of International Cocoa Day is to honour the invaluable contributions of cocoa farmers and key stakeholders within the cocoa industry.

COCOBOD pledged its unwavering commitment to sustainable cocoa production, environmental stewardship, and enhancing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

SA/EK

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