In the heart of Sehwi Atronsu, the lush green cocoa farms that generations have tended may soon be gone—and farmers fear their way of life could vanish with them.
Dozens of cocoa farmers in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality are sounding the alarm over what they call a “forceful takeover” of their farmlands by the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC), which plans to build a bauxite refinery in the area.
Their appeal is not just about land. It’s about livelihoods, identity, and survival.
“This is all we have,” said Andrew Asare, a local cocoa farmer who has worked his farm for years. “If they destroy our farms, what happens to our children? What happens to the food on our table?”
The farmers took their concerns directly to the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, during his maiden visit to the Western North Region.
They say GBC has begun marking cocoa farms for clearing without proper consultation or compensation. Standing among his fellow farmers, Asare’s voice trembled not with anger, but fear.
“We’re not against development,” he said. “But this can’t happen at the cost of our lives. We are begging COCOBOD to step in.”
Moved by their concerns, Dr. Abbey assured the farmers that their voices had been heard. He acknowledged the urgency of the situation and promised to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the farmers’ interests are not pushed aside.
“Cocoa farmers are the backbone of this country,” Dr. Abbey said. “We will not allow their sacrifices to be in vain. We’re committed to finding a solution that respects both development and livelihoods.”
He urged the farmers to continue partnering with COCOBOD in efforts to build a more resilient, sustainable cocoa industry—one that won’t leave rural communities behind.
As he departed Atronsu, the CEO left behind more than promises, he left a sense of hope.
By: Acquah Anthony
