The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the national security forces have once again demonstrated their commitment to combating cocoa smuggling with the recent apprehension of a driver and a mate at Old Akrade in the Asuogyaman district. The individuals were caught attempting to smuggle cocoa beans to Togo, thanks to a tip-off received by the anti-smuggling taskforce.
Following the tip-off, a surveillance operation led to the discovery of 100 bags of cocoa beans hidden under a load of chippings in a tipper truck with the registration number GN-1773-24. This decisive operation underscores the determination of authorities to safeguard Ghana’s cocoa industry and tackle illegal trading activities aimed at exporting cocoa beans across the border to neighbouring Togo.
The security official involved in the operation highlighted the challenges posed by the heavy security presence at the toll booths on the Adomi Bridge, suspecting that the smugglers had used a ferry to cross the lake at Senchi before proceeding to their intended destination through Juapong.
The significance of this operation cannot be overstated, especially in light of the numerous challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa sector, including widespread smuggling, climate change, disease, and illegal mining activities. Notably, cocoa is more profitable in Ivory Coast and Togo than in Ghana due to factors such as a more stable currency and a less regulated sector.
The impact of smuggling on cocoa production in Ghana is evident in the reduced output, with production by the end of June totaling 429,323 metric tons, significantly below the average production at the same point in previous seasons. The anti-smuggling task force estimates that the country lost a conservative 160,000 tons of cocoa due to smuggling in the 2023/24 period, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Despite these challenges, efforts by the task force have yielded some progress, with interceptions increasing from 17 tons in 2022/23 to about 250 tons in the most recent reporting period. This demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives to combat cocoa smuggling and protect Ghana’s vital cocoa industry.
It is evident that continued vigilance and collaborative efforts between COCOBOD, national security, and other relevant stakeholders are essential to address the complex issues surrounding cocoa smuggling and ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
