Timber Road Cocoa Farmers Demand Better Compensation For Land Takeover

Cocoa farmers along Timber Road in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana's Western Region are protesting the land takeover by AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem Mine. They are demanding fair compensation for their land, which falls within the mine's Emulsion Plant Buffer Zone. The farmers argue that their cocoa plantations, which have been cultivated over years of hard work and substantial financial investment, are at risk of being lost without adequate compensation.

The affected farmers presented five conditions to the mine before it proceeds with field activities on their lands. These demands were outlined in a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to the Sustainability Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine. The farmers' concerns were discussed during a meeting between the mine and a committee of affected farmers on September 29, 2026, and during a general meeting of all the affected farmers on October 4, 2026.

The farmers' five demands include renegotiating crop compensation rates, clarifying outstanding issues related to buffer zone demarcation and its implications, nullifying chiefs' percentage deductions from compensation, conducting a thorough Environmental Baseline and Impact Assessment, and extending the proposed Barbex Laydown area to cover 1,000 meters.

The committee representing the farmers asked the mine to consider their resolutions and engage in further discussions to find an amicable solution before any field activities commence on the affected lands.