Ghana's COCOBOD is stepping up efforts to address the growing problem of cocoa smuggling across the nation's borders, with military assistance from the Ghana Armed Forces.

COCOBOD's Chief Executive, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, revealed that the organization has formally requested help from the Ministry of Defense as the situation becomes increasingly difficult to manage, despite the police's efforts.

Speaking in Kumasi, Aidoo explained that smugglers have been getting more sophisticated, citing an incident where cocoa was discovered hidden in fuel tankers attempting to leave the country.“We have written to the Minister of Defense, requesting military intervention. While the police and other security forces have been assisting, there have already been several arrests related to cocoa smuggling. Recently, cocoa being transported out of the country in tankers meant for fuel was intercepted,” he said.

Given the severity of the issue, military involvement is now deemed crucial.

“Cocoa is the backbone of Ghana’s economy. It brings in the foreign exchange needed to support our balance of payments. We cannot afford to lose our cocoa exports, especially since we heavily support local farmers,” Aidoo emphasized.

The national Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program will be spearheaded by the armed forces, with COCOBOD funding the initiative.

Aidoo emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s cocoa industry, which is vital to the country’s economy.“This year, we supplied more than enough fertilizers, such as liquid fertilizer, insecticides, and fungicides. Cocobod also funded the pruning of cocoa farms. If cocoa is smuggled out of the country, how are we going to repay the loans we took to invest in our farmers?” he questioned.

The loss of cocoa to smuggling not only threatens the nation’s foreign exchange but also compromises the investments COCOBOD has made in supporting local farmers with inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

He also questioned how the country could repay the loans it had taken to provide these resources if cocoa continues to be smuggled out.

He explained that the Russian military group Wagner, stationed in Burkina Faso, Niger, and other Francophone countries, is involved in buying smuggled cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. With Russia banned from European markets, smuggled cocoa has found its way into new channels, heightening the urgency for tighter border controls.“Russia has been banned from entering the European market, which has led them to resort to smuggling cocoa. Countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, which do not grow cocoa, are now exporting cocoa. Where are they getting it from?” he asked.Confident that military intervention will make a difference, Aidoo reassured that the government is fully committed to safeguarding the cocoa sector.

He also expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts to improve cocoa production will begin to show significant results in the coming year, benefiting both the industry and Ghana’s farmers.