The Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in collaboration with national security, has successfully apprehended a driver and his mate in Old Akrade, located in the Asuogyaman district, for attempting to smuggle cocoa beans out of the country.
Acting on a tip-off received around midnight, the task force uncovered a scheme involving the transportation of cocoa beans to Togo.
Upon surveillance, officials discovered 100 bags of cocoa beans hidden beneath a load of chippings in a tipper truck, registered as GN-1773-24.
This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat the growing issue of cocoa smuggling in Ghana. According to a national security source, authorities are committed to protecting the cocoa industry from illegal trading activities.
The source explained that due to heavy security at the toll booths on the Adomi Bridge, the smugglers likely intended to use a ferry to cross the lake at Senchi and continue their journey through Juapong.
Ghana’s cocoa sector is currently grappling with several challenges, including widespread smuggling, climate change, disease, and illegal mining.
Smuggling has become a significant issue, as cocoa is more profitable in neighboring countries like Ivory Coast and Togo due to the stability of the CFA franc and less regulated markets.
By the end of June, Ghana’s cocoa production stood at 429,323 metric tons, less than 55% of the average production at the same point in previous years.
Cocoa losses from smuggling have more than tripled during the 2023/24 season, with an estimated 160,000 tons lost.
However, efforts by the task force have resulted in the interception of about 250 tons of cocoa, compared to just 17 tons in the 2022/23 season.
