Paramount Chief Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III Pledges to Revitalize Jomoro Coconut Industry as Alternative to Galamsey

Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, has called for a strategic focus on the revitalization of the coconut industry as a sustainable alternative to illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking at the Jomoro Development Conference held in Half-Assini, the Paramount Chief emphasized that the region’s future prosperity lies in harnessing its agricultural heritage rather than the destructive path of unregulated mining. The conference, which also marked his first anniversary in office, served as a platform to discuss the historical significance of the Nzema people and the roadmap for regional economic development.

Historically, the coconut sector has been the backbone of the Jomoro economy, providing the financial means for local families to support their livelihoods and educate their children. Awulae Amakyi III argued that the current economic climate necessitates a shift back to these roots, but with a modern focus on the entire value chain. He specifically called for the establishment of processing factories within the district to ensure that the region benefits from value addition, rather than merely exporting raw nuts. This industrialization drive is seen as a key strategy to create stable jobs for the youth and discourage the encroachment of illegal mining activities that threaten the local environment and water bodies.

Beyond agriculture, the conference also addressed the integration of local resources into larger national initiatives, such as the Petroleum Hub Development Project. Stephen Blay, the convener of the conference, highlighted that for these major developmental projects to succeed, there must be a concerted effort to harness local resources effectively. He stressed the importance of fair compensation for farmers whose lands and livelihoods are affected by such large-scale infrastructure projects. This balanced approach aims to ensure that industrial progress does not come at the expense of the traditional agricultural sectors that have sustained the community for generations.

The commitment to reviving the coconut industry reflects a growing trend among traditional leaders in Ghana to seek environmentally sustainable development paths. By prioritizing the "green gold" of the coconut palm over the immediate but fleeting gains of galamsey, the Western Nzema Traditional Area is positioning itself as a model for resource management. As the government under President John Mahama continues to navigate national economic and environmental challenges, local initiatives like the Jomoro coconut revival provide a critical blueprint for grassroots industrialization and community-led environmental stewardship.