2 Grabbed over cocoa smuggling
The Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in collaboration with national security, has successfully apprehended two individuals in the Asuogyaman District for attempting to smuggle cocoa beans out of the country.
The suspects, a driver and his mate, were intercepted at Old Akrade after the taskforce received a tip-off around midnight, indicating that cocoa beans were being transported to neighboring Togo.
Acting swiftly, the taskforce conducted surveillance, leading to the discovery of 100 bags of cocoa beans hidden beneath a load of chippings in a tipper truck with the registration number GN-1773-24.
A national security official, who briefed the Ghana News Agency, described the operation as a critical step in addressing the growing issue of cocoa smuggling. The official emphasized the authorities’ commitment to protecting Ghana’s cocoa industry and preventing the illegal export of beans across borders.
“Due to the heavy security presence at the tollbooths on the Adomi Bridge, we believe the smugglers used a ferry to cross the lake at Senchi, intending to pass through Juapong to reach their destination,” the official said.
Ghana’s cocoa sector has been grappling with multiple challenges, including increased smuggling, climate change, disease, and illegal mining activities. Experts suggest that cocoa is more profitable in neighboring Ivory Coast and Togo due to the more stable CFA franc and less regulation in those countries, further driving smuggling operations.
By the end of June, Ghana had produced 429,323 metric tons of cocoa, which is less than 55% of the average production seen in previous seasons. The anti-smuggling taskforce estimates that cocoa losses due to smuggling have more than tripled in the 2023/24 season, with a staggering 160,000 tons lost.
Despite these challenges, the taskforce has made some progress, intercepting approximately 250 tons of smuggled cocoa, a significant increase from the 17 tons seized in the previous season. The operation underscores the importance of continued efforts to combat cocoa smuggling, protect Ghana’s cocoa industry, and ensure the country reaps the full benefits of its valuable export crop.
