Chief Executive of Ghana COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has announced that the government is stepping up efforts to campaign against cocoa smuggling across the nation’s borders with the leadership of the military.
During a press conference in Kumasi on Friday, Aidoo revealed that COCOBOD is struggling to manage the rising incidence of cocoa smuggling.
“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.
Aidoo stressed that military involvement is now necessary to address the issue more effectively. “The military has expressed readiness to lead the operation, and the Ministry of Defense is fully aware. Cocobod will sponsor the national Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program,” he added.
“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.
Aidoo stressed that military involvement is now necessary to address the issue more effectively. “The military has expressed readiness to lead the operation, and the Ministry of Defense is fully aware. Cocobod will sponsor the national Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program,” he added.
The Cocobod CEO clarified that this heightened effort is essential for protecting Ghana’s cocoa export sector and achieving the country’s international export goals.
“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.
He also noted that the government, through Cocobod, provides substantial support to cocoa farmers.
“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.