The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has introduced a new reward scheme to boost public participation in the fight against cocoa smuggling, a persistent problem draining national revenue and threatening the country’s cocoa industry.

Under the revised arrangement, individuals who provide information leading to the arrest of smugglers will receive one-third of the assessed value of any seized cocoa.

The same incentive applies to anti-smuggling agents who play key roles in successful operations.

In a statement on Wednesday (8 October) COCOBOD said the initiative aims to sustain its ongoing anti-smuggling campaign and strengthen cooperation with communities in border and hotspot areas.

“The cooperation of communities is key to safeguarding Ghana’s premium cocoa and protecting the integrity of the sector,” the Board said.

Cocoa smuggling has been a recurring issue along Ghana’s borders, with authorities reporting significant losses each year as beans are illegally moved into neighboring countries for higher prices.

COCOBOD urged members of the public with credible information to contact its Special Anti-Smuggling Task Force on 0308-040-107, assuring that all reports would be handled confidentially and rewards paid promptly.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the cocoa sector, saying the fight against smuggling is essential to securing farmers’ livelihoods and the long-term stability of Ghana’s cocoa-driven economy.

Credit:Citinews