'We are working to clamp down on increasing cocoa smuggling' — COCOBOD Board Chairman

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of cocoa smuggling across the country’s borders.

He said recent assessments conducted in border communities show that government’s heavy investments in cocoa production are not reflecting in the expected output from those areas.

The trend, he noted, poses a threat to the sustainability of the cocoa sector and the broader economy.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, November 17, Mr. Ofosu Ampofo said COCOBOD is rolling out stronger collaborations with district and regional security councils to tackle the menace.

“We realised that one of the major challenges we are facing, especially in border regions, is the mismatch between the cost of inputs supplied to farmers and the level of production we are getting,” he said.

He stressed that cocoa remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, making its protection and productivity an urgent priority.

“Cocoa is the backbone of our economy and will continue to remain so, and the best we can do is to work very hard to sustain it and ensure that we increase productivity,” he added.

The former National Chairman of the ruling NDC further praised President John Dramani Mahama for maintaining support for farmers despite economic challenges.

“In spite of all the challenges, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has kept faith with farmers by ensuring that he pays 70% of the FOB price to them, irrespective of the difficulties,” he noted.