The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has announced the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key figures behind cocoa smuggling operations in Dormaa Central.
The arrests were carried out by the Bono Regional Anti-Cocoa Taskforce in collaboration with security agencies following intensified investigations into illegal cocoa trade in the area.
Briefing the media at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sunyani, the Minister said the operation was triggered by concerns raised by cocoa farmers during his “Accounting to the People” tour of communities including Nkrankwanta, Dormaa Ahenkro, and Wamfie.
According to him, investigations revealed that the two suspects were masterminds behind four individuals who were arrested last week in connection with similar offences.
He identified the suspects as Kumi Akyew, 45, and Ernest, 52, both alleged cocoa buyers linked to the Yonkopa Cocoa Buying Company.
Mr. Addae Akwaboa explained that the suspects exploited price differences between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to smuggle cocoa beans across the border, where they were sold at lower prices.
He further accused them of diverting government financial support meant for purchasing cocoa from local farmers to instead buy smuggled produce, a situation he said has contributed to delays in cocoa purchases and payments to farmers.
The Minister also suggested that misinformation circulating within cocoa-growing communities—allegedly linked to the New Patriotic Party—is contributing to the persistence of the illegal trade.
He indicated that the two suspects will soon be arraigned before court, while the four earlier suspects are already facing prosecution.
Mr. Addae Akwaboa has appealed to the public to support efforts to clamp down on cocoa smuggling by providing credible information to security agencies.
