From Second to Third? How galamsey threatens Ghana’s cocoa future
Ghana has long been the world’s second-largest cocoa producer. Cocoa supports the economy and strengthens the country’s global standing. But galamsey threatens Ghana’s cocoa future, while Ecuador prepares to overtake Ghana by the 2026/27 season.
Ecuador produces over 400,000 tonnes of cocoa each year. The country aims for 650,000 tonnes soon, which would pass Ghana’s expected 600,000 tonnes. Ghana’s production, however, keeps falling. The swollen shoot virus has wiped out many farms in the Western and Western North regions.
Obed Owusu Addai, Co-Convenor of the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform, said the decline “is no surprise.” He explained that Ghana has failed to restore affected farms or stop illegal mining. He also warned that buyers now doubt Ghana’s ability to meet contracts.
Ecuador is moving in the opposite direction. Strong farm investments, public and private support, and high cocoa prices push farmers to adopt better methods. Yields keep rising.
Ghana faces twin threats: illegal mining and crop disease. Mining destroys farmland in Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regions. At the same time, the swollen shoot virus spreads to other farming areas.
Addai argues that solutions are clear. Farmers need fairer pay, improved seedlings, tools, and training. Strong policies must also block mining from encroaching on farms. Without these steps, Ghana risks more than its ranking. The nation could lose both cocoa heritage and farmer livelihoods.
