As Ghanaians celebrate National Chocolate Day today, February 14, the Ghana Civil-society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) has sounded a strong warning that the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry—and chocolate itself—is in grave danger due to illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Cocoa is the lifeblood of Ghana’s economy, supporting over 800,000 farmers and generating approximately $2 billion annually in exports.
Beyond its economic significance, cocoa is the heart of the country’s rich chocolate-making tradition, which National Chocolate Day seeks to promote. However, the unchecked destruction caused by galamsey is threatening this legacy.
Illegal mining has ravaged thousands of hectares of cocoa farmlands, polluted rivers, and led to severe deforestation. These environmental disasters have not only reduced cocoa production but also placed Ghana’s status as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer at serious risk. If the situation persists, the country could face declining yields, loss of international market credibility, and economic hardship for thousands of cocoa farmers.
GCCP warns that without cocoa, there will be no chocolate—and without chocolate, National Chocolate Day could become a meaningless tradition.
To raise awareness, GCCP has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Save Chocolate, Save Love: End Galamsey Now.”
The movement urges Ghanaians to take a stand against illegal mining and protect the country’s cocoa heritage.
As part of the campaign, the group is rallying citizens to spread digital advocacy messages, using slogans such as: “Save the Golden Tree, End Galamsey. No Cocoa, No Chocolate, No Valentine”, etc.
GCCP is calling on the government, policymakers, traditional authorities, and the private sector to take decisive action in combating galamsey.
The organization believes that stronger policies, strict enforcement of mining regulations, and sustainable farming initiatives are crucial to safeguarding the future of cocoa production.
The message is clear: Ghana’s cocoa industry is under siege, and urgent action is needed to protect it.
On this Valentine’s Day, as lovers exchange chocolates to celebrate love, GCCP urges all Ghanaians to reflect on the uncertain future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The time to act is now—because saving cocoa is not just about chocolate, it’s about protecting livelihoods, preserving heritage, and securing Ghana’s economic future.
Ghana l Atinkaonline.com l Ebenezer Madugu
 has sounded a strong warning: the future){kind=link}