The Anti-smuggling unit of the Ghana Cocoa Board in collaboration with security operatives has arrested four suspects for their involvement in the smuggling of more than 100 bags of cocoa beans from Ivory Coast to Ghana.
Addressing a news conference in Sunyani, Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister said the suspects were arrested in an operation at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District of the region, saying that: “The operation led to the interception of a truck loaded with more than 100 bags of cocoa believed to have been smuggled from Côte D’Ivoire to Ghana”.
Mr Akwaboa said investigations led to the arrest of suspects (names withheld for security reasons), saying that they had been detained and assisting police investigations, assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted soon.
The smuggled beans are then sold at cheaper prices, disadvantaging genuine Ghanaian farmers.
He noted that the practice is undermining government investments in the cocoa sector and disrupting the operations of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), which are mandated to prioritize locally produced cocoa.
The Minister further disclosed that preliminary findings point to a coordinated syndicate involving some LBCs.
These companies, despite receiving financial support from government to purchase cocoa locally, are allegedly diverting funds to buy cheaper smuggled cocoa from across the border.
“This illicit practice is depriving Ghanaian farmers of a ready market and sabotaging government interventions aimed at stabilizing cocoa prices,”Mr Akwaboa stated.
He indicated that the security had intensified operations across the various smuggling hotspots in the region to deal with smuggling and other related crimes.
He also raised concerns about exploitative practices by some buying companies, accusing them of underpaying farmers.
While the approved price exceeds GH¢2,500 per bag, some farmers reportedly receive as low as GH¢1,600 due to reduced pricing and unjustified deductions.
The Minister issued a stern warning to all parties involved, including smugglers, Licensed Buying Companies, and purchasing clerks, to desist immediately or face legal consequences.
“We are coming after all those involved, and no one will be spared,” he emphasized.
"In collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Unit and security agencies, enforcement operations have been intensified across known hotspots in the Bono Region. These operations have already led to the interception of a truck carrying over 100 bags of cocoa suspected to have been smuggled from Côte d’Ivoire, as well as multiple arrests."
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa industry and protecting the livelihoods of farmers.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to cocoa smuggling.
He cautioned that misinformation being spread in some farming communities about government’s price stabilization efforts must be disregarded, assuring farmers of continued support.
Mr Akwaboa affirmed the government’s commitment to protect the integrity of the nation’s cocoa industry by ensuring that the socio-economic conditions of hard work and gallant cocoa farmers were improved.
He urged the public to desist from politicizing the cocoa purchasing process for personal or selfish gain, instead think about the interest of the nation.
“It is also however observed that some elements are going around cocoa farming communities misinforming farmers on efforts that government is putting in place to stabilize cocoa prices,” the Minister added.
The crackdown forms part of broader measures to sustain the cocoa sector and ensure fairness in the marketing and pricing of Ghana’s key export commodity.
Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan