The Ashanti Regional Deputy Manager of COCOBOD, Emmanuel Adjei, has emphasized that the collective efforts of all key stakeholders are crucial in combating the smuggling of cocoa beans to neighboring countries.

He expressed concern about the rising trend of cocoa smuggling, which, along with illegal mining, sand winning, and bush burning, is having a detrimental impact on cocoa production in Ghana.

Addressing an anti-smuggling meeting at Nkawie, which brought together over 110 stakeholders from the Atwima enclave, Mr. Adjei highlighted the importance of collaboration across the cocoa value chain to effectively combat the activities of smugglers.

This event was organized by the Municipal Directorate of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD and aimed to educate participants on strategies to combat cocoa smuggling in their respective areas.

The meeting attracted a diverse group of attendees, including farmers, buyers, cooperative societies, security personnel, and other stakeholders from Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Kwanwoma, and parts of Atwima Mponua, who engaged in discussions and shared their perspectives.

Mr. Adjei pointed out that cocoa smuggling had significantly reduced Ghana's production target from 750 metric tonnes to just 400 metric tonnes last year.

He underscored the urgent need for the effective implementation of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS), an initiative supported by the European Union and being executed by CHED in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He cautioned farmers against falling prey to unlicensed buyers offering to purchase cocoa beans at prices above the government-approved rate. He explained that if a buyer proposes a price of 3,200 cedis for a headload instead of the sanctioned 3,000 cedis, it is indicative of smuggling and should be reported to authorities to prevent farmers from facing legal consequences for conspiracy or abetting the crime.

“If a Buyer proposes 3,200 for a headload instead of the approved 3,000 cedis, it showed smuggling and must be reported for legal action before the farmer is held for conspiracy or abetment of crime”, he told the participants.

The Cocoa Officer for the Atwima enclave, Nii Koi Kotey, called on stakeholders and community members to unite in the fight against cocoa smuggling, emphasizing the role of patriotic and responsible citizens who benefit from cocoa revenue in this critical effort.