Fair Cocoa Prices Can Curb Galamsey Menace – John Dumelo

Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo, has emphasized the need for fair cocoa prices to help prevent farmers from selling their lands for galamsey (artisanal mining) activities. John Dumelo made this statement in response to the growing concern about the destruction of cocoa farms and forests due to galamsey.

According to John Dumelo, many cocoa farmers are forced to sell their lands to galamsey operators due to the low prices they receive for their cocoa beans. He urged that if farmers were paid fair prices for their cocoa, they would be less likely to sell their lands and instead focus on cultivating cocoa sustainably.

READ ALSO: I Wouldn’t Say Some Of The Things I Said Before Today – Charlotte Oduro

“It’s simple economics”, Dumelo said. “If farmers are paid a fair price for their cocoa, they will not sell their lands to galamsey operators. We need to ensure that our farmers are rewarded for their hard work and encouraged to continue producing high-quality cocoa.”

John Dumelo’s statement highlights the complex relationship between cocoa farming, poverty, and environmental degradation. Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa farmers live in poverty due to low prices and lack of access to markets.

The actor-politician’s call for fair cocoa prices is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable cocoa production and combat galamsey. The Ghanaian government has launched several initiatives to address the issue, including the establishment of a task force to monitor and prevent galamsey activities.

Combating Galamsey

The Ayawaso West Wuogon legislator attributed this shift to the low cocoa prices in the country, which leaves farmers struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, Mr Dumelo called for improved cocoa pricing to discourage farmers from selling their farmlands to illegal miners.

John Dumelo’s advocacy for fair cocoa prices has been welcomed by cocoa farmers and industry stakeholders. They hope that his influential voice will help raise awareness about the importance of fair prices and sustainable cocoa production.