The Deputy Managing Director of the Produce Buying Company (PBC), Thomas Ayisi Kumah, has appealed to cocoa farmers nationwide to remain steadfast in their agricultural pursuits and resist the lure of illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.”
In an interview with GHOne Business, Mr. Kumah emphasized that despite the inherent volatility in global commodity prices, cocoa farming offers a superior and more sustainable long-term economic path than the temporary gains provided by illegal mining.
Addressing the challenges faced by the sector, Mr. Kumah acknowledged that market prices for cocoa often fluctuate, presenting difficulties for those dependent on the crop.
He, however, maintained that the industry remains a vital economic pillar that provides consistent value.
“Prices keep on dwindling, not always up, sometimes down. And those are the challenges in the sector. But cocoa will continue to give farmers the best of revenues, better than the one-off monies they would get from Galamsey,” he said.
Mr. Kumah encouraged farmers to reject the enticements often presented by illegal miners seeking to purchase or lease cocoa lands for excavation.
He argued that the support and stability provided by the government, through various initiatives and pricing strategies, outweigh the risks associated with giving up fertile land for mining.
“I will encourage cocoa farmers not to toe the line of this eh the enticement by Galamseys, but they should stick to their cocoa for sustainability,” he added.
The Deputy Managing Director concluded his appeal by reinforcing that the future of many farming communities rests on the preservation of these plantations.
He called on farmers to continue their work with diligence, ensuring the industry remains a stable source of revenue for households across Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
