The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, says authorities have intercepted a truck carrying more than 100 bags of cocoa allegedly smuggled from Ivory Coast into Ghana for resale.
Addressing a press conference, the Minister explained that the interception followed information gathered during his recent “Accounting to the People” tour across the Dormaa West District, Dormaa Central Municipality and Dormaa East District.
According to him, some cocoa purchasing clerks are allegedly diverting funds meant for paying Ghanaian cocoa farmers to purchase cheaper cocoa beans from Ivory Coast for profit.
He claimed that cocoa purchased in Ivory Coast at about GH¢1,200 per bag is being transported into Ghana and resold at higher prices due to the significant difference in cocoa producer prices between the two countries.
Mr Akwaboah stated that government resources provided to support cocoa payments are intended to benefit local farmers and not for cross-border trading activities.
He further alleged that some individuals involved in the practice are engaging in activities that could undermine confidence in the government among cocoa farmers.
The Regional Minister also accused members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Frank Annor Dompreh, of encouraging some purchasing clerks to engage in the illegal trade through their recent visits to cocoa-growing communities.
He warned that authorities would not tolerate cocoa smuggling and stressed that anyone found engaging in the illegal cross-border trade would face arrest and prosecution.
According to him, the Regional Coordinating Council and security agencies remain committed to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa sector and maintaining order within the industry.