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Farms Destroyed As Ghana Tries to Raise Cocoa Incomes

Stacey Knott

   ASIKESU, GHANA - Ghana, famous for its cocoa, supplies about 20 percent
   of the world's market. This year, the government announced plans to
   raise cocoa incomes, but cocoa bean farms are being destroyed, with or
   without the farmers' consent, as landlords end their leases early in
   favor of other crops, development or mining.

   Farmer Ama Serwah supported her children and grandchildren by growing
   cocoa and other crops on leased land. This month, a bulldozer cleared
   the land, as well as the livelihood of Serwah's family. Farmers believe
   the land was cleared to make way for a cattle farm.

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