Dear Fellow Citizens of Ghana,
I am writing this appeal to bring to your attention the critical issue of illegal mining or galamsey and its adverse impact on our cocoa plantations.
Cocoa is one of the essential crops that contribute significantly to our economy.
It serves as the main source of livelihood for many smallholder farmers and is an essential ingredient in the chocolate industry.
However, our cocoa plantations have been under constant threat from illegal mining activities, which have led to devastating consequences for our water bodies.
The release of toxic chemicals used in the galamsey process, such as mercury, arsenic, and cyanide, pollutes our rivers and streams, which serve as sources of water for our cocoa plantations.
The contaminated water not only harms the plantations but also affects the quality of cocoa beans, which are fundamental to the chocolate industry.
Studies have shown that the contamination of water bodies with hazardous chemicals through illegal mining has a significant impact on agricultural production.
Therefore, it is imperative that we come together to protect our cocoa plantations by putting an end to illegal mining and reforestation of our degraded lands.
We must take up the responsibility of safeguarding our water sources, which are not just critical for our agricultural production but also the overall health and well-being of our communities.
I am specifically appealing to the Government, the traditional leaders, the media, civic groups, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to join forces to protect our cocoa plantations.
We all have a role to play in ensuring sustainable cocoa production.
The Government must strengthen its enforcement mechanisms to deter illegal miners, and traditional leaders must discourage community members from engaging in illegal mining activities.
In conclusion, protecting our cocoa plantations means protecting our water sources from the harm caused by illegal mining.
We must act now, and we must act together to safeguard the future of our cocoa industry and the well-being of our fellow Ghanaians.
Thank you.
Alain Gbeasor
Chairman
AABC – ENTREPRENEUR