Ghana has lost over 7,100 tonnes of cocoa to smuggling from the Volta and Oti regions over five years, according to the Ghana Cocoa Board. A company director, Jake Kudjo Samahar, reported that this illicit activity resulted in financial losses totaling 1.1 billion dollars, with beans being trafficked to neighboring Togo and Cote d'Ivoire.
Board Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo described smuggling as an increasingly lucrative venture in the area. He and Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong called for renewed collaboration between security councils and the Cocoa Board to combat the problem. They identified weak security checkpoints as a primary enabler of transit smuggling.
A local traditional leader, Nana Edje Tete Kpase Brantuo VII, advocated for improved farm access roads and more purchasing centers in remote locations. He stated that such infrastructure investments would help reduce transportation difficulties for farmers and discourage the illegal trade.
Board Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo described smuggling as an increasingly lucrative venture in the area. He and Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong called for renewed collaboration between security councils and the Cocoa Board to combat the problem. They identified weak security checkpoints as a primary enabler of transit smuggling.
A local traditional leader, Nana Edje Tete Kpase Brantuo VII, advocated for improved farm access roads and more purchasing centers in remote locations. He stated that such infrastructure investments would help reduce transportation difficulties for farmers and discourage the illegal trade.
