Monday , January 20 2025

Stakeholders’ Collaboration Crucial to Curb Cocoa Smuggling – COCOBOD

Cocoa Smuggling and Illegal Activities Threaten Production

COCOBOD has called for collective action from all stakeholders in the cocoa value chain to address the increasing challenge of cocoa smuggling, along with other harmful activities like illegal mining, sand winning, and bush burning, which are undermining cocoa production in Ghana.

Stakeholders’ Meeting to Combat Smuggling in Atwima Enclave

Speaking at an anti-smuggling meeting held in Nkawie, Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, Mr. Adjei highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to curb smuggling. The meeting, organized by the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD, brought together over 110 participants, including farmers, buyers, cooperative societies, and security personnel from Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Kwanwoma, and parts of Atwima Mponua.

Impact of Smuggling on Cocoa Production Targets

Mr. Adjei emphasized that cocoa smuggling reduced Ghana’s cocoa production from a target of 750,000 to just 400,000 metric tonnes last year. He urged stakeholders to actively engage in combating this issue to avoid similar setbacks in future harvests.

Implementation of Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS)

He stressed the importance of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS), a European Union-sponsored initiative, which is being implemented with the support of CHED, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other security agencies. The system aims to monitor and prevent smuggling activities at every point along the cocoa supply chain.

Warning Against Unlicensed Buyers and Smuggling Schemes

Mr. Adjei advised farmers to reject offers from unlicensed buyers attempting to purchase cocoa at prices above the government-approved rate. He warned that accepting such deals could implicate farmers in smuggling operations, urging them to report suspicious offers immediately. “If a buyer proposes 3,200 cedis instead of the approved 3,000 cedis for a headload, it signals smuggling and must be reported,” he cautioned.

Patriotic Duty to Protect Cocoa Revenue

Nii Koi Kotey, the Atwima Enclave Cocoa Officer, encouraged all stakeholders and community members to actively participate in the fight against cocoa smuggling, emphasizing that safeguarding cocoa revenue is a patriotic responsibility for the benefit of all citizens.

 

Story By: Baffour/Pinkfmonlinegh.com

Check Also

Senya East Election Update: Focus on Opeikuma’s Psalm of Victory School Polling Units

The electoral process in Awutu Senya East constituency continues smoothly, with a closer look at …