According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), one of the main cocoa producing regions in Ghana is 81% infected with swollen shoot disease. This virus poses a significant threat to cocoa production, which is a critical part of Ghana’s economy.

Swollen shoot virus first reduces yields and then kills trees, usually within a few years. The virus is spread by mealybugs, which infest cocoa trees and transmit the disease as they feed on the sap. Once infested, trees must be uprooted and the soil cultivated before cocoa can be replanted. This process is labor-intensive and costly, and it takes several years for new cocoa trees to mature and start producing beans.

The economic impact of swollen shoot disease is severe. Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, and the crop is a major source of income for many farmers. The loss of trees and the subsequent reduction in yields can lead to financial hardship for these farmers, many of whom rely on cocoa as their primary source of income. Additionally, the reduction in cocoa production can affect global cocoa prices and the supply chain, impacting chocolate manufacturers and consumers worldwide.

Efforts to combat the disease include the development of disease-resistant cocoa varieties, improved pest management techniques, and farmer education programs to promote best practices in cultivation and disease prevention. However, controlling the spread of swollen shoot disease remains a significant challenge.

In light of the high infection rates reported by the ICCO, it is crucial for stakeholders, including the Ghanaian government, international organizations, and the private sector, to collaborate on strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of swollen shoot disease on Ghana’s cocoa industry.