The smuggling of cocoa has long been a source of worry in Ghana’s cocoa sector since it not only deprives the government of money but also impedes attempts to efficiently control the cocoa trade.
Authorities are now facing the task of implementing stricter border controls and surveillance measures to combat this growing issue. The government is keen on curbing the illegal trade while ensuring that cocoa farmers continue to benefit from the increased producer price.
Despite the substantial increase in the cocoa producer price recently announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, some cocoa farmers along the Ghana-Ivory Coast border in the Western North region are reportedly engaged in a smuggling spree, taking advantage of higher prices across the border.
On September 9, 2023, President Akufo-Addo declared a 63.6% increase in the farm gate price of cocoa beans, elevating it from GH₵800 to GH₵1,308 per bag for the 2023/24 cocoa season.
However, Nana Kwaku Ntuah II, Chief of Esaase in the Western North Region, has expressed his concerns over a rampant surge in cocoa smuggling to the Ivory Coast, despite the substantial increase in the farm gate price of cocoa beans.
He disclosed that while the recent positive development of a significant cocoa price increase has been welcomed with open arms, it has also inadvertently spawned unforeseen consequences in the border areas. “Despite the significant increase in cocoa producer price, farmers around the borders are smuggling the cocoa to Ivory Coast,” Nana Kwaku Ntuah II lamented.
Chief of Esaase pointed out that several communities along the Ghana-Ivory Coast border, including Dabiso, Ackaatiso, Oseikojokrom, Adabokrom in Bia West and East districts, and Kwasuo in Suaman, have become hotspots for this illicit trade.
The chief attributed this rise in smuggling to the attractive prices offered for cocoa across the border in Ivory Coast, where cocoa is currently being sold at GH₵1,570 per bag.
Nana Kwaku Ntuah II expressed his concerns, “After raising our producer price to GH₵1,308, the current price in Ivory Coast stands at GH₵1,570. This price disparity has motivated those living near the borders to engage in cocoa smuggling to Ivory Coast.”
