Cultivatorii de cacao din Ghana riscă până la 20 de ani de închisoare dacă schimbă destinația fermelor

Ghana has enacted a law imposing up to 20 years in prison for cocoa farmers who change the use of their farms without government approval. The legislation designates cocoa farms as protected areas, making unauthorized use a criminal offense. Farmers have criticized the law, arguing it is unfair as they invest their own money in land and maintenance. The law also includes severe penalties for illegal gold mining, with significant fines for each affected cocoa tree. Cocoa exports are vital for Ghana's economy, yet farmers receive minimal state support despite the crop's national importance.