Edward Azi, a Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) officer, has expressed serious concern over the increasing rate of cocoa smuggling in the Suaman District of the Western North Region.
He described the situation as alarming and a threat to the livelihoods of cocoa farmers as well as the nation’s cocoa sector.
Speaking to the media during the 2025 Farmers’ Day celebration at Antokrom in the Suaman District, Mr. Azi said that despite the efforts of CHED and other stakeholders to promote best agronomic practices and boost cocoa production, illegal smuggling of cocoa beans continues to undermine these initiatives.
He revealed that some farmers and middlemen are allegedly collaborating with smugglers to transport dried cocoa beans through unapproved routes into neighbouring countries in search of higher prices, resulting in significant losses for Ghana.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Suaman, Obour Vasco, stated in his address that the district assembly, in collaboration with security services, has set up a task force to combat these criminal activities.
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