Ghana is Ghana today because of cocoa – Atiwa West DCE

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa West, Hon. Douglas Paddy, has emphasized the critical role that cocoa has played in shaping Ghana’s economy and development, stating that the country owes much of its progress to the crop.

He made the remarks during an Interactive Radio Campaign on Cocoa Agroforestry and Tree Registration Protocol, which took place at the Kwabeng Community Center. The event aimed at educating farmers in surrounding communities about sustainable cocoa farming practices.

“Ghana is Ghana, and we are where we are today because of cocoa,” Hon. Paddy said, reflecting on how the cocoa industry has been central to Ghana’s growth. He shared a personal anecdote, revealing how cocoa contributed to his own education, stating, “If it was not for cocoa, I would not be where I am today. My parents were able to pay my school fees because of cocoa. Cocoa has helped us a lot.”

Hon. Paddy also acknowledged that Ghana was once a leader in global cocoa production, with the country’s cocoa known for its exceptional quality. However, he noted that in recent years, climate change and other factors have affected the industry. “When you come into Ghana, we were once the first among other countries in cocoa production because our cocoa was the best. But due to climate change and other activities, things have changed. We need to go back to doing more cocoa and reclaim our position as the number one cocoa producer in the world,” he urged.

The DCE also expressed concern over the growing influence of Chinese nationals in the country’s cocoa sector, particularly in relation to illegal mining, or galamsey, which he believes poses a serious threat to Ghana’s cocoa farms. “Today, the Chinese have come to our country and are taking our cocoa to plant in their country. If our cocoa was not the best, would they come for it?” Hon. Paddy asked. He added that Chinese investors have been offering farmers money to sell their land for galamsey activities, which he believes is part of a strategy to destroy Ghana’s cocoa industry. “They are destroying our land so that they will not buy cocoa from us in the future. The chemicals they use in galamsey are poisoning our land, and it is affecting the quality of our cocoa,” he said.

Hon. Paddy warned that the ultimate goal of these foreign interests is to overtake Ghana as the world’s leading producer of cocoa. “The Chinese want to become the number one cocoa producer, which is why they have come to Ghana to do galamsey on our cocoa farms. We must be careful and vigilant,” he stressed.

In his address, the DCE also acknowledged the efforts of the NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo to increase cocoa prices, a move that has significantly benefited farmers. “Under President Nana Akufo-Addo, the government has increased the price of cocoa, which has never happened before. If some farmers had known this, they wouldn’t have sold their land for galamsey,” Hon. Paddy stated. He expressed confidence that the government will continue to raise cocoa prices, making it a more attractive and sustainable venture for both male and female youth in the country.

Hon. Paddy concluded by urging cocoa farmers to stand firm and work hard to restore the country’s reputation as the world’s leading producer of high-quality cocoa. “Today, some cocoa farmers regret selling their land for galamsey. They are crying because they cannot get their land back. This is the time we must stand firm and work hard to make our cocoa the best again,” he said.

The DCE’s remarks reflect a growing concern about the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry and the need for sustainable farming practices, as well as vigilance against activities that could harm the sector.

Source: Radiooeghana.com/ Osor Dynamic