Bono Regional Minister Intercepts Smuggled Cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire, Suspects Arrested

Bono Regional Minister Intercepts Smuggled Cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire, Suspects Arrested

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, has intercepted a truck carrying more than 100 bags of cocoa allegedly smuggled from Côte d'Ivoire into Ghana, leading to the arrest of several suspects involved in the illicit trade.

Addressing the media at a press conference on Monday, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboah disclosed that the interception followed intelligence gathered during his recent "Accounting to the People" tour across the Dormaa West, Dormaa Central, and Dormaa East Districts.

According to the Minister, investigations revealed that some cocoa purchasing clerks have allegedly diverted funds meant for paying local cocoa farmers. Instead of purchasing cocoa from Ghanaian farmers, they reportedly use the money to buy cocoa beans from Côte d'Ivoire at significantly lower prices before transporting them into Ghana for resale at a huge profit.

He explained that while a bag of cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire sells for approximately GH¢1,200, the producer price in Ghana stands at about GH¢2,500 per bag. This price difference, he noted, creates an incentive for unscrupulous individuals to engage in illegal cross-border cocoa trade.

"The government has made adequate funds available for purchasing clerks to pay our hardworking cocoa farmers. It is unacceptable for some individuals to abuse this system for personal gain," the Minister stated.

He further warned that such illegal activities not only undermine Ghana's cocoa industry but also threaten the livelihoods of genuine cocoa farmers across the country.

Minister Accuses Minority of Fueling Illegal Trade

Hon. Addae Akwaboah also accused the Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Frank Annor Dompreh, of allegedly encouraging certain cocoa purchasing clerks to engage in the unlawful importation of cocoa.

He claimed that recent visits by some Minority members to cocoa-growing communities were politically motivated and intended to discredit the government among cocoa farmers.

The Minister issued a strong warning to all individuals involved, stressing that his administration would not tolerate any form of cocoa smuggling.

"As Bono Regional Minister, I will ensure that anyone found engaging in cocoa smuggling or related illegal activities is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law," he affirmed.

Commitment to Protecting Ghana's Cocoa Sector

Hon. Addae Akwaboah reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding Ghana's cocoa industry and protecting the interests of local farmers. He assured the public that stringent measures would be implemented to curb cocoa smuggling and preserve the integrity of the sector.

The suspects are currently assisting security agencies with investigations.

Source: Bibianinews.com/Kwaku Mensah Abrampa