Bono: REGSEC, COCOBOD Taskforce Crack Down on Four Cocoa Smuggling Syndicates; Over 100 Bags of Ivorian Cocoa Seized

The Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in collaboration with a taskforce from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has arrested four individuals suspected to be part of cocoa smuggling syndicates in Nkrankwanta, the capital of the Dormaa West District.

Briefing the media at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council on April 27, 2026, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa (Esq.) disclosed that the arrests followed intelligence gathered during his ongoing “Accounting to the People” tour, an initiative directed by President John Dramani Mahama

According to the Minister, engagements with cocoa farming communities and their leaders revealed growing concerns about cocoa smuggling in the region. He noted that some individuals and networks are exploiting price differences between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to smuggle cocoa particularly from Côte d’Ivoire into Ghana where it is sold at lower prices to the disadvantage of local farmers.

“As part of my ‘Accounting to the People’ tour, concerns were raised about the increasing practice of cocoa smuggling. It has been established that some individuals are taking advantage of price differentials to engage in this illegal trade, to the detriment of genuine Ghanaian farmers,” he stated.

Mr. Akwaboa further indicated that investigations point to a coordinated syndicate working to undermine government efforts to stabilize cocoa prices amid challenging global market conditions. Preliminary findings suggest that some Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), despite receiving financial support from the government to purchase cocoa locally, are diverting resources to procure cheaper smuggled cocoa.

He also revealed widespread malpractice in cocoa pricing, where some companies allegedly cheat farmers. While the approved cocoa price exceeds GH¢2,500 per bag (about GH¢40 per kilogram), some farmers are reportedly paid as low as GH¢30 per kilogram, with additional unjustified deductions of around GH¢5 per kilogram leaving farmers with as little as GH¢1,600 per bag.

In response, the Minister said decisive enforcement actions were undertaken in collaboration with COCOBOD’s Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Unit, security agencies, and other stakeholders. These operations have resulted in the arrest of suspects and the interception of a truck carrying over 100 bags of smuggled Ivorian cocoa.

Investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals and entities involved in the illicit trade and bring them to justice.

Describing the situation as a major threat to Ghana’s cocoa industry, Mr. Akwaboa emphasized that such illegal activities undermine government investments and disrupt the operations of legitimate Licensed Buying Companies. He warned that if left unchecked, cocoa smuggling could threaten the sustainability of the sector and the livelihoods of farmers.

The Minister issued a strong warning to those engaged in cocoa smuggling and related crimes to desist immediately or face the full force of the law.

“I wish to send a strong and unequivocal warning to all individuals and groups involved in cocoa smuggling to desist immediately. Security agencies have been tasked to sustain and expand these operations, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” he stressed.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation within cocoa-growing communities, noting that some individuals are deliberately misleading farmers about government interventions aimed at stabilizing cocoa prices.

Reassuring the public, Mr. Akwaboa affirmed government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa industry and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers.

He urged the public, particularly cocoa farmers, to remain vigilant and support authorities by reporting suspicious activities as the crackdown on cocoa smuggling intensifies across the Bono Region.