He reiterated that the sweat of the nation’s cocoa farmers deserves dignity and a fair reward.

The President said this at Juaboso in his address at a durbar of the Chiefs and People of the Western North Region during his Thank You Tour of the Region.

The nationwide Thank You Tour is to enable the President to express gratitude to Ghanaians for their massive support during the 2024 general election.

“When it comes to cocoa production, Western North is a leader. Indeed the people of this Region are the backbone of Ghana's cocoa production. But I am aware of the hardships our cocoa farmers face. Low prices, inadequate extension services and delays in the distribution of cocoa inputs,” he said.

“We will also restructure the cocoa rehabilitation programme, especially in Bia and Juaboso areas, where swollen shoots and old trees have drastically reduced cocoa yields.”

The President said under the new leadership of the Ghana Cocoa Board, the government would prioritize the distribution of improved seeds, regular extension support and proper compensation for rehabilitated cocoa farms.

He told the nation’s young people that the Government’s Feed Ghana Programme was meant for them.

He said the Feed Ghana Programme included land preparation services, irrigation systems, youth block farms and guaranteed market linkages.

“If you are interested in agriculture, the government will support you no matter what your background,” he said.

He said the nation’s forests, rivers and green belts were national treasures; however, they were alarmed by the environmental destruction that was reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sewfi Ahwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining.

“I must be honest, this is a national emergency,” the President said.

President Mahama said the National Task Force would continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in the nation’s forest reserves and on water bodies.

The President said he had also noted the activities of illegal anti-Galamsey task forces that were extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.

He said he had requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal anti-Galamsey activity.

President Mahama said in addition, they were establishing a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Punikrom, as requested by Nananom, to respond swiftly to security threats and border-related crimes.

He reiterated that peace was a precondition for development.