Bono Region: Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce Seizes Over 2,000 Bags of Cocoa Beans

The National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce successfully intercepted three heavy trucks loaded with bags of cocoa beans and lumber over the weekend, following an attempt by the drivers to deceive security by covering the cocoa bags with lumber. The interception highlights the ongoing efforts to combat cocoa smuggling, which remains a significant concern for the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Mr. Michael Paddy Kwesi Asumanu, the Bono Regional Administrator of COCOBOD, provided details about the operation, explaining that the first truck was seized in Dormaa after receiving a tip-off. The National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce, which included personnel from National Security, acted quickly on routine surveillance, leading them to intercept two additional trucks at Nkrankwanta.

In an interview with Kaakyire Kwasi Afari from Ark FM, Mr. Asumanu revealed that one of the drivers was arrested at the scene, while the other two drivers managed to flee after requesting to pray. He further suspected that the over 2,000 bags of cocoa beans, which had been packed in maize bags, were being smuggled out of Ghana to neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso or Togo, where they would likely be sold at a higher price. This illegal activity deprives the country of valuable resources and undermines national efforts to maintain a stable cocoa industry.

The three trucks involved in the smuggling attempt have been placed under the custody of the Bono Regional Police Headquarters in Sunyani for further investigation. One of the suspects has been granted bail, while the seized cocoa beans are currently being held at the COCOBOD takeover center in Kaase, Ashanti Region.

Mr. Asumanu did not mince words in condemning the actions of cocoa smugglers, describing them as “nation wreckers.” He expressed his deep concern about the negative impact of cocoa smuggling on the country’s economy, particularly as it undermines the sustainability of the cocoa industry. He emphasized that COCOBOD has been working tirelessly to improve the welfare of cocoa farmers through initiatives such as the construction of cocoa roads, the establishment of cocoa hospitals, and other support programs aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of farmers. For Mr. Asumanu, it is deeply troubling that despite these efforts, some farmers still engage in smuggling cocoa to neighboring countries, thereby undermining these national initiatives.

He further explained that if the illegal practice of cocoa smuggling continues unchecked, Ghana stands to lose significant revenue. This, in turn, would affect the government’s ability to fund critical programs and initiatives that benefit the cocoa sector and the wider economy. The lack of control over cocoa smuggling could severely impact the resources available to COCOBOD to support farmers and invest in long-term sustainability efforts.

In line with COCOBOD’s commitment to curbing cocoa smuggling, Mr. Asumanu declared a “war” on the illegal activity, emphasizing that steps are being taken to tackle smuggling networks within the Bono region and beyond. He assured the public that the fight against cocoa smuggling would be relentless and that authorities would continue to act swiftly to apprehend and prosecute smugglers.

Mr. Asumanu also urged the media and the general public to adopt the “See Something, Say Something” approach, which encourages individuals to report suspicious activities related to cocoa smuggling. He emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing this serious issue, calling on all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and provide tip-offs that could help prevent further smuggling attempts.

In conclusion, the recent interception of over 2,000 bags of cocoa beans highlights the ongoing challenges faced by COCOBOD and the government in combating cocoa smuggling. With continued vigilance and support from the public, the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce and COCOBOD hope to strengthen efforts to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry and ensure that the benefits of cocoa production are felt by the entire nation.