Ghana likely to lose cocoa ranking due to illegal logging

Ghana which is ranked second as the World’s leading producer of cocoa, may lose its position, as the cocoa trees are being cut down to use the land for illegal mining.

This negative practice is greatly affecting the environment which needs concerted efforts to address since all stakeholders including chiefs, priests, security personnel and politicians are part of the problem.

The Eastern Regional Liaison Security Officer for REGSEC, Joseph William Agyekum, said this at a media briefing on World Environment Day in Koforidua.

He said due to the illegal mining activities, the Abuakwa State College at Kyebi is being invaded by the ‘galamsey’ operators, which is a threat to staff and students.

Mr Agyekum said the Regional Security Council is striving to curb illegal felling of trees and ‘galamsey’ yet, all their efforts have proved futile due to the backing that offenders receive from some people in authority.

He noted that Suhum is being used as a transit point for trucks which load the illegal logs with support from some officials in the Security Services, Politicians and other Organizations.

He therefore suggested that Parliament pass a law on the illegal felling of trees and mining to bring such perpetrators to book.