COCOBOD to maintain ban on ARMAJARO

The Ghana Cocoa Board says it cannot lift the ban prohibiting Armajaro Ghana from purchasing cocoa until it reviews the smuggling situation in the Western region.

This is in response to calls by some workers of the company appealing to the government and COCOBOD to lift the ban.

The company's license was withdrawn after an undercover operation by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas revealed a massive cocoa smuggling by some Ghanaians aided by security operatives across the border into La Cote d'Ivoire.

But workers of the company say they have done everything possible to help check smuggling.

Daniel Ibrahim Bepoh who is said to have reported Anas to the police leading to the latter's arrest when he posed as a smuggler, said the company has done enough to reduce smuggling in the cocoa industry in the Western Region.

But officials of Ghana COCOBOD say they need time to carefully review the situation.

Kwesi Kwakye, Public Relations Officer at COCOBOD told Joy News the company is deemed not to have done enough to ensure their employees will not engage in the nefarious activities.

He said the company however has the right to appeal the decision taken by COCOBOD and will be duly be considered on its own merits.