The President of the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu, has cautioned cocoa farmers against selling their farmlands, warning that such actions could lead to arrest and pose a serious threat to the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Speaking in an interview with Lily Mohammed on GHOne News on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mr Bonsu stressed that cocoa farms cannot be tampered with at will, explaining that any decision to cut down cocoa trees must be justified and subjected to proper assessment. He noted that researchers and relevant authorities are required to investigate the reasons behind such actions before any approval can be granted.
According to him, the long-held notion that farmers can do whatever they want with cocoa trees simply because the land belongs to them is no longer acceptable. “We want to make it clear for them, so those that have an intention that it is their own land and they can do whatever they want to do, you can’t do that again. The cocoa belongs to the government; it’s state property. You have no right to touch it.” He emphasised.
Mr Bonsu described the statement as a nationwide warning to farmers, urging them to remain patient and assured that their earnings will be paid. He reiterated that cocoa belongs to the state, a fact farmers are already aware of, and must therefore be safeguarded.
He further argued that if a farmer can be arrested for smuggling even a small quantity of cocoa, then destroying an entire cocoa tree should be treated as a more serious offence. In this regard, he disclosed that a new law concerning the cocoa sector is expected to be laid before Parliament to strengthen enforcement measures.
Mr Bonsu encouraged farmers to protect their cocoa farms, assuring them that positive developments are underway in the sector. He expressed optimism about improved benefits in the coming years, describing cocoa as “gold” that must be held onto.
“Let us hold it tight and wait for the next two years to come. We’ll be smiling each and every day. Cocoa prices will not be stable; it will be going up.” He stated, calling on farmers to protect cocoa trees as both personal and state property.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Abigail Praise Pabai
