A cocoa farmer has shifted from being a cocoa farmer to participating in illegal mining (galamsey).
In a video sited by The Independent Ghana, the farmer expresses frustration over the lack of financial benefits (“chop money”) they receive from cocoa farming.
A voice in the video is heard urging the farmer to stop destroying the farmland, warning that the authorities might pursue him.
In response, the farmer stated, “authorities? Don’t they eat too? We’re trying to get into galamsey to make a living, and you’re worried about the authorities.”
“While the farmer proceeded to destroy the cocoa farm, he is heard responding to the voice saying, “What am I supposed to feed on if I stop?”
“Who are the authorities to arrest me? Well… if we have to stop, then he should provide us with ‘chop money’ so we can quit. If you’re talking about Akufo-Addo, he already has a source of livelihood,”the farmer said this while cutting down some cocoa trees relentlessly.
Watch video below: