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The Chief Executive of Ghana COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has announced that the government is intensifying efforts to combat cocoa smuggling across the country’s borders, with the support of the military.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Aidoo highlighted the growing challenge of cocoa smuggling, which has become increasingly difficult to manage despite the assistance of the police and other security forces.
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Aidoo revealed that COCOBOD has requested the intervention of the military to bolster anti-smuggling efforts, noting several recent arrests, including the interception of cocoa being smuggled in fuel tankers. He emphasized the need for military involvement to strengthen the national Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program, which will be sponsored by COCOBOD.
“The military has expressed readiness to lead the operation, and the Ministry of Defense is fully aware,” Aidoo stated, adding that the government is committed to protecting the country’s cocoa export sector to meet international goals.
He stressed the importance of cocoa to Ghana’s economy, noting that it generates vital foreign exchange and supports local farmers. Aidoo also pointed out the government’s investments in the cocoa sector, including the provision of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and farm maintenance support.
“If cocoa is smuggled out of the country, how are we going to repay the loans we took to invest in our farmers?” Aidoo questioned, underscoring the severe consequences of cocoa smuggling on both the economy and the farming community.
