According to data from the Bank of Ghana, cocoa export earnings have fallen below the $2 billion mark, marking a sharp 25.4% decrease over the past year. This decline is primarily driven by a reduction in cocoa production, which has decreased by over 11% during the same period.
A key factor behind this decline is the widespread illegal mining (galamsey), which has severely harmed cocoa farms and caused significant environmental damage. This has led to a sharp decrease in cocoa yields, negatively impacting local farmers and the country’s economy as a whole.
In addition to the environmental harm caused by galamsey, Ghana’s cocoa industry is also grappling with the persistent challenge of the Cocoa Swollen Shoot and Virus Disease (CSSVD). This affects about 17% of the country’s cocoa trees. This viral disease has weakened the health of cocoa plantations, leading to further reductions in production.
Approximately 23% of the country’s cocoa trees are classified as overaged, moribund, and unproductive. These trees have reached the end of their productive lifespan, contributing to the overall decline in output. As a result, a massive rehabilitation effort is urgently needed to restore these farms to productivity.
The combined effects of these issues mean that only 60% of Ghana’s total cocoa tree stock is still productive, while a significant 40% is considered technically redundant.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
