Ghana’s COCOBOD is intensifying efforts to tackle cocoa smuggling outside Ghana’s shores and borders.
It has been hinted that the anti-cocoa smuggling initiative is expected to be led by the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo speaking to the media stated that the COCOBOD is getting overwhelmed by the increasing cases of cocoa smuggling going through the country’s borders.
“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 disclosed
Mr. Aidoo stressed that the use of the military had now become necessary in order to address the issue more effectively. In his words “the military has expressed readiness to lead the operation, and the Ministry of Defense is fully aware”. He added that COCOBOD Ghana will sponsor the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program.
The COCOBOD CEO explained that this intensified exercise is crucial for safeguarding Ghana’s cocoa export industry and ensuring the country meets its international export targets.
He emphasized that cocoa is the backbone of Ghana’s economy. And that it brings in the foreign exchange needed to support Ghana’s balance of payments. In his words “We can not afford to lose our cocoa exports, especially since we heavily support local farmers”.
Mr. Aidoo, the CEO of COCOBOD who has served as a Member of Parliament in Ghana has gone on to disclose a worrying development in cocoa smuggling, attributing the issue to the Russian government. He has explained that the Russian Military group Wagner, stationed in Burkina Faso, Niger, and other francophone countries, is allegedly involved in buying smuggled cocoa from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
He also disclosed that “Russia has been banned from entering the European market, which has made them resort to smuggling the cocoa. “Countries like Burkina Faso and Niger which do not grow cocoa, are now exporting cocoa. Where are they getting it from?” he added.
Mr. Aidoo, also added that he has confidence in the military intervention as part of the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling initiative, and believes that this would help curb the smuggling problem.
Source: Global African Times Magazine
