Ghana Law Threatens 20-Year Prison for Cocoa Farmers

Ghana’s parliament approved a new bill on July 30 that would criminalise the conversion of cocoa farms into other land uses without government consent. The legislation, which was not released to the public until August 2, grants all cocoa farms protected status and imposes prison sentences of up to 20 years for farmers who re‑purpose their plots without official approval.

The measure, aimed at safeguarding the country’s cocoa sector, would make any unauthorized change of use a criminal offence. It has drawn sharp criticism from cocoa growers, who argue that the law restricts their ability to adapt to market pressures and manage land sustainably. Critics contend that the bill could undermine the livelihoods of thousands of small‑holder farmers who rely on cocoa production for income.

If enacted, the law would represent a significant tightening of land‑use regulation in Ghana’s most important agricultural export. Stakeholders now await the government’s next steps, including potential amendments or implementation guidelines that could address farmers’ concerns.