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.

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, said the arrests were made at Nkrankwanta after authorities intercepted a truck loaded with the cocoa.

“The operation led to the interception of a truck loaded with more than 100 bags of cocoa believed to have been smuggled from Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana,” he told a news conference in Sunyani.

He explained that the operation was triggered by a tip-off he received during his “Accounting to the People Series” tour, where he engaged local communities.

According to him, cocoa farmers had complained that some Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and cocoa clerks were failing to purchase beans from them despite receiving financial clearance from government. Instead, some buyers were allegedly sourcing cocoa from smugglers along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire border.

“Investigations led to the arrest of suspects, and they are currently assisting police investigations,” Akwaboa said, adding that they would be prosecuted.

He noted that security operations have since been intensified in known smuggling hotspots across the region to clamp down on illegal activities.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers, while urging the public not to politicise cocoa purchasing.

“Such actions undermine the national interest,” he cautioned.

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The arrest was made during a targeted intelligence-led operation in Elmina on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

In a statement, the Police explained that the operation was triggered by a tip-off received two weeks earlier, which pointed to a syndicate involved in smuggling cocoa beans and illicit drugs from Elmina to neighbouring countries.

At around 11:00 PM, officers intercepted a Hyundai Mighty truck with registration number CR 726-25, driven by suspect Andy Kwofie. The truck was found to be loaded with 250 bags of cocoa beans.

Upon interrogation, Kwofie identified Francis Armah as the intended recipient of the cocoa. Armah allegedly planned to transport the beans by sea to other countries. He was arrested later that same night.

The impounded vehicle is currently secured at the Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast, while both suspects are in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

Authorities say efforts are underway to track down additional members of the suspected smuggling syndicate.

The impounded truck is currently secured at the Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast, while both suspects remain in custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.

Authorities have indicated that efforts are underway to apprehend additional members of the suspected smuggling syndicate.

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The cocoa beans are believed to have been transported from southern Ghana in a transit operation orchestrated by a syndicate known for smuggling cocoa into neighbouring countries.

Acting on a tip-off, GIS personnel laid an ambush along the border and confiscated the goods. Although the suspects managed to flee the scene, the officers successfully seized the cocoa beans, which were being illegally transported out of the country.

Confirmation

Confirming the incident to Graphic Online, the Bunkpurugu Sector Commander of GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Edwin Adjetey Doku, said the goods have been handed over to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) while investigations continue.

“We acted on credible intelligence about cocoa beans being smuggled from the Kauk-Jago area into Togo. My team quickly mobilised and intercepted the goods, although the drivers and two other individuals escaped,” ACI Doku stated.

He reaffirmed GIS’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s territorial borders and combating all forms of cross-border crime.

Support

ACI Doku further appealed to the public to support GIS efforts by reporting suspicious activities. He also called for enhanced logistical support to tackle the rising incidents of smuggling in the area.

“The Bunkpurugu Division urgently needs more resources to fight the persistent smuggling of goods across our borders,” he stressed.

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Acting on intelligence, officers under the Pulimakom Sector Command of the GIS stopped a tricycle transporting the cocoa beans through Wurianaga, an unapproved route. The owner of the goods fled upon sighting the officers.

A statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACP) M. Amoako-Atta, confirmed that investigations are underway to apprehend the owner of the smuggled cocoa beans.

Recent Smuggling Attempts

This marks the second cocoa smuggling interception by the GIS in two weeks.

Last week, officers of the GIS at the Akanu Sector Command, with support from the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, intercepted a truck loaded with smuggled cocoa beans. Acting on intelligence, they waylaid a truck with registration number AS 2103-W at the Ave-Havi border post. The truck, driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu, contained 1,115 gallons stuffed with cocoa beans, intended for smuggling into Togo.

The intercepted cocoa beans have been handed over to officials of COCOBOD, while the truck remains impounded and the driver is assisting with investigations.

GIS Warns Against Smuggling

The GIS has cautioned individuals involved in cocoa smuggling to desist, warning that such activities harm Ghana’s economy and result in significant revenue losses.

In a related development, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, has directed all border commanders to intensify patrols along unapproved smuggling routes and engage community members on the negative impact of smuggling.

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The driver and his mate were arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police sources, the truck, with registration number 3166D303, was reportedly transporting the cocoa beans from Circle, Accra, to Burkina Faso.

The interception occurred when the driver stopped at Gulumpe to rest, and residents, who detected the distinct smell of cocoa, alerted the police.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed they were hired by an unidentified individual to transport the cocoa to Burkina Faso.

Although staff from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have visited the police station, both the police and COCOBOD representatives have declined to speak to the media on record.

The truck and its load remain in police custody as investigations continue.

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The arrests were made by the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force with assistance from the Nketepa community watchdog committee, leading to the seizure of two Kia trucks loaded with 400 bags of cocoa that were set to be smuggled into Togo.

The suspects, who were in the process of offloading the cocoa bags onto a waiting canoe for further transportation, attempted to flee upon noticing the approaching task force team but were swiftly apprehended after a brief chase.

In a media briefing, Bosu Yaw, the Assembly Member for the Nketepa electoral area, called for increased support for the community watchdog committee to strengthen their surveillance efforts.

“We received a tip-off that truckloads of goods were being brought to Nketepa, and we suspected the government was unaware of what was being brought into the community. When these trucks arrive, they park by the seaside and unload sacks of cocoa onto boats, sometimes three or more at a time, before transporting them away. We intercepted one of these trucks and found it loaded with cocoa. The manner in which they were going about it raised our suspicions that it was smuggling, so we immediately alerted our leaders,” he said.

Anthony Ablor, the leader of the Nketepa watchdog committee, emphasized the challenges faced by the group, citing the constant threat of armed robbers and smugglers in the area. He reiterated the need for greater collaboration with security agencies to protect their community.

“As part of our duties as a watchdog committee, we regularly face threats from armed robbers. We urgently appeal to the government to provide us with motorbikes to help us carry out our responsibilities more effectively in protecting the community,” he stated.

Between May and June 2024, the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce’s intensified surveillance efforts led to the arrest of over 20 individuals and the confiscation of thousands of cocoa bags in the Kwahu enclave, which were being smuggled into neighboring Togo.

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This move by the world’s largest cocoa producer aims to discourage the illicit export of beans, yet it poses significant challenges for Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Ivory Coast’s Minister of Agriculture, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, announced in Abidjan that the farmgate price will increase by 20% from 1,500 CFA francs (approximately GH₵ 40) to 1,800 CFA francs (about GH₵ 48) per kilogram, effective October 1, 2024.

This new rate translates to roughly GHS 3,072 per 64 kg bag of cocoa, slightly higher than Ghana’s GH₵3,000 per bag. The price hike is intended to prevent the smuggling of cocoa to Ghana.

However, it may not completely address illegal exports to other neighbouring countries like Liberia and Guinea, where buyers offer prices closer to the global market rate.

During the 2023/2024 season, Ivory Coast reportedly lost between 150,000 to 200,000 tons of cocoa to smuggling, according to Bloomberg.

Implications for Ghana

Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, has been battling similar issues.

Reports from Reuters indicate that low local prices and payment delays have driven some farmers to sell their cocoa to sophisticated smuggling networks.

In the 2023/2024 season, Ghana lost approximately 160,000 metric tons of cocoa to smuggling, an increase from 150,000 tons the previous season.

Ghana’s lower prices compared to neighbouring countries like Côte d’Ivoire, which charged around GHS 2,560 per bag in 2023/2024 —GH₵ 490 more than Ghana—encouraged smuggling

To mitigate this, the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) increased its farmgate price by 45% for the 2024/2025 season, from GH₵ 2,070 to GHS 3,000 per 64 kg bag.

However, Ghana’s attempt to combat smuggling with higher farmgate prices may prove futile. Ivory Coast’s recent price increase could negate Ghana’s efforts, as their prices still offer a more lucrative option for smugglers.

Ghana’s Production Dynamics

Poor harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast have contributed to a four-year supply deficit in the global cocoa market, driving up cocoa and chocolate prices.

Unfortunately, Ghana has not benefited from these higher global prices due to rampant smuggling.

By June 2023, Ghana’s cocoa production had dropped to 429,323 metric tons, less than 55% of the average at the same point in previous seasons.

This marks the largest decline in over two decades.

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The beans were concealed as crates of minerals were from the Ashanti Region.

The drivers and their mates have since been arrested and currently facing charges.

Smugglers are increasingly using the northern corridors in the Oti Region to transport cocoa beans to neighbouring countries.

To crack down on the syndicates, surveillance has been heightened in the area.

The development comes amidst concerns about smuggling and other cross-border activities through the Oti Region.

Checks by Adom News have revealed a surge in cocoa smuggling in parts of the Oti Region particularly in the Guan District, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North and South Municipality.

The smugglers in their bid to evade arrest now use assorted drinks as concealment to commute through police barriers with their contraband undetected.

Some officials from the Cocoa Board have lamented about the illegal trade that is being facilitated by unscrupulous individuals.

According to them, the surge in cocoa smuggling from Ghana into Togo where the market is unregulated is driven by attractive prices offered by the Togolese buyers.

They have urged all Ghanaians to join the fight against cocoa smuggling by providing information to the security so that it can help protect the country’s cocoa industry.

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Poor harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s second-largest and largest producers, have pushed markets into a four-year supply deficit, driving up global cocoa and chocolate prices this year.

But cocoa fetches more in Ivory Coast and Togo than in Ghana because of a more stable CFA franc currency and a less regulated sector.

Ghana had produced 429,323 metric tons of cocoa by the end of June from the start of the season in September, less than 55% of the average at the same point in previous seasons and putting 2023/24 output on track for its biggest fall in more than two decades.

Charles Amenyaglo, director of special services at Cocobod, who leads the board’s anti-smuggling task force, said smuggling losses more than tripled in 2023/24.

“Conservatively, I will say we lost 160,000 tons,” he said, adding that the task force also intercepted about 250 tons, up from 17 tons in 2022/23.

“The data is alarming,” said Abubakar Omae, general secretary of Ghana’s cocoa and coffee farmers association.

While more than 10 people have been sentenced to between three months and 10 years in prison for smuggling this year, Amenyaglo said Ghana’s military will soon be deployed to tackle smugglers.

FUEL TANKERS, OIL DRUMS AND TIPPER TRUCKS

Smuggling rings, which offer farmers higher prices, began to take hold in 2022, when Ghana was at the height of an economic and currency crisis.

Amenyaglo said significant quantities of cocoa were crossing into Togo, Burkina Faso and even Mali.

“We’ve seen cocoa in tipper trucks covered by quarry chippings and in drums disguised as palm oil,” he said. “We’ve seen pontoon boats carting cocoa…but the shocker is when we saw a fuel tanker loaded with cocoa. The ‘Don’t tamper’ seal was still on.”

Cocobod has failed to pay for beans on time during the season due to problems with the syndicated loan it uses to finance purchases.

“This comes back to (the) money issue … If we’re liquid and actively on the field, smuggling can be curtailed,” said Samuel Adimado, president of the Ghanaian cocoa buyers’ group.

Ghana opened the 2024/25 season earlier than usual, with a new funding model and a 45% increase in the farmgate price.

Farmers are hopeful the changes will help discourage smuggling, though they fear a weakening currency will erode the price hike.

“We’ve invested a lot to raise cocoa production in Ghana, not for cocoa sectors in Togo or Ivory Coast to blossom,” Amenyaglo said.

The suspect was arrested by Police in Sehwi Adjofua in the Bia West District of the Western North Region on June 18, following an intelligence tip-off by a Cocobod officer.

The suspect, represented by lawyer Ebenezer Abiaw, faced charges of attempted smuggling.

During the court proceedings, lawyer Abiaw contended that his client, Adams Adson Enterprise, was conducting legitimate business activities within the cocoa franchise sector and did not engage in any illegal operations.

He challenged the credibility of Major Rtd. Ebenezer Tetteh, the Cocobod intelligence officer responsible for the suspect’s arrest.

He asserted that the arrest, carried out well within the district and not near any border, was baseless and a wrongful accusation of his client.

He emphasized that, there was no evidence suggesting his client had crossed into Ivory Coast or was in the process of doing so.

According to the lawyer, his client has been in a franchise cocoa business for many years so he doesn’t know the basis of the arrest and the charge.

Moreover, he argued that the arrest was not made on the border or outside the country but in the middle of the district so the basis of arrest must be considered as a wrongful accusation.

That notwithstanding, Lawyer Ebenezer Abiaw said the complainant cannot be trusted because he has been in several cases where arrests were made wrongfully and he was directed by the court to produce the confiscated bags of cocoa but failed to comply.

He further called on the government to intervene in this case.

This intervention is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities and protect Ghana’s cocoa industry.

The interception occurred early Tuesday morning, following a tip-off from the intelligent officers of the Ghana Cocoa Board.

The Police swiftly mobilized and set up a roadblock on a key route used by smugglers. Upon inspecting the trucks, they discovered a large consignment of cocoa bags.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the cocoa, valued at several million Ghanaian cedis, was intended for illegal export to the neighboring Ivory Coast, where it could fetch higher prices due to differing market conditions.

Smuggling of cocoa across the Ghana-Ivory Coast border has been a persistent issue over the years in the western north region.

Major Rtd Ebenezer Tetteh, an intelligent officer at the Ghana Cocoa Board, Bia West explained how the alleged smuggler was apprehended.

He indicated that it was a tip-off they had and the information was swiftly given to the police doe the arrest.

Major Rtd Tetteh further added the district has been fighting against cocoa smuggling in the area for years but still, there has not been any change in the residents.

As a result, there has been a decline in cocoa production in the region, and several smuggling cases at the court are pending, Major Rtd entreated those involved to put an end to that.

Meanwhile, he expressed joy in arresting some of the smugglers. He added that they will continue to work harder to get those involved arrested.

The suspects involved in the smuggling attempt are currently in custody and assisting with further investigations.

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In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, June 12, Mr. Boahen Aidoo attributed the shortfall to bad weather conditions, bean disease, illegal mining and smuggling activities being perpetrated by persons he described as nation-wreckers.

According to him, the foreigners, particularly Russians operating from Ghana’s neighbouring countries and with nothing to lose, pay high prices for the smuggled cocoa beans and in turn, sell the beans on the black market for windfall profits.

“There are some Russians in Guinea…. we have some Russians there, and then Togo and they are buying, they want to buy the cocoa spot, they sell spot, they have nothing to lose. They don’t spray, they don’t buy chemicals for farmers, they are not providing any extension services for farmers, nothing. So they can afford to sell spot. When they get the cocoa, they go to the market, they can sell at $10,000.”

He said though there have been some arrests, the practice if not permanently handled will have dire consequences for the sector in the future.

“Some have been imprisoned, and you know the minimum sentence is five years, but people still dare,” he lamented.

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Abraham Senyaglo, a 35-year-old native of Keta, was apprehended on Saturday night while driving a Toyota Hiace Van belonging to the Anlo Traditional Council.

The vehicle was packed with 26 bags of cocoa beans, cleverly concealed in fertiliser sacks to avoid detection.

According to eyewitnesses, the police chase began around 2200 hours on the Adomi-Atimpoku stretch, when Senyaglo failed to stop at a Police checkpoint.

A high-speed pursuit ensued, culminating in his eventual arrest near the Adomi Bridge in the Eastern Region.

During questioning, Mr Senyaglo claimed he was unaware that the cocoa beans were illegally acquired.

He stated that, he had been sent to the Manhyia Palace to deliver items to the Asantehene as part of his 25th Anniversary Celebrations and was asked by a friend to transport the cocoa beans on his return journey from Suhum to Dzodze.

However, the Police disputed Senyaglo’s account, alleging that he was fully aware of the illegal nature of the cargo.

The suspect and the seized goods are currently in the custody of the Sogakope Police, pending further investigations and prosecution.

Over the years, the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce has been working tirelessly to disrupt the illegal cocoa supply chain, and this bust is a testament to their dedication and hard work in the country.

However, the Anlo Traditional Council is yet to give an official statement on the issue.

The police are working to trace the origin of the beans and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling ring.

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He noted that, this contributes to the underdevelopment of major roads.

The Regional Minister expressed the concerns at a community sensitization program in Likpe on Thursday, which focused on boundary reaffirmation between Ghana and Togo.

The Minister called on chiefs in the Likpe area to caution residents against illegal exports.

Mr. Makubu also mentioned that cocoa production has declined, and the benefits intended for the development of cocoa roads have been delayed, emphasizing that this delay should not be blamed on the government.

“There is a menace that is dragging us back as far as cocoa production in the Oti region is concerned. In 2019, we used to price about 8000 tonnes of cocoa. As we speak, the Oti region is even struggling to produce 100 tonnes. Not because our trees are not yielding, but because whatever cocoa we produce is smuggled out of the country. This is affecting our revenues and our development, including the cocoa roads.

“So each time you are taking cocoa across the boundaries of Ghana and you see any road untarred under the Cocoa Road project, you should know that we have done it for ourselves and not that the government is not interested. I want to encourage Nananom to talk to our brothers and sisters to see to it that this exercise is stopped so that we can build it together and enjoy it together,” he said.

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This issue has been reported to the Ghana Cocoa Board in the region. Despite the good measures in place, some farmers in the unapproved border areas find their way to smuggle their cocoa produce to Ivory Coast.

Since the Government of Ghana announced the farm-gate price of cocoa beans by 21 per cent from GH¢660 to GH¢800 a bag for the 2022/23 crop season, most of the farmers have been threatening to sell their cocoa to the government of Ivory Coast.

The report indicated some of the farmers have put their word into action as they smuggle their cocoa produce to Ivory Coast because the price in Ivory Coast is higher than that of Ghana.

During the celebration of the 2022 Eluo Festival at Sehwi Wiawso, the president of the Sehwi Wiawso traditional area, Katakyire Kwasi Bumagamah II, cautioned the farmers in the border areas to put an end to the activity of indulging in cocoa smuggling. He continued to charge his chiefs to keep their eyes on the ground of these cocoa smugglers.

In addition to the call, the Western North Regional regional best farmer, Nana Yaw Berima Donkor, who is the Kontihene of Sehwi Yawmatwa, has decided to involve himself in the fight against cocoa smuggling.

He pledged to collaborate with the district assemblies, especially the border districts to assist combat that activity. He said since he has been awarded a brand new Kia Hunter Pickup by the Asante Gold Corporation, he will be visiting those border areas like Akatiso, Oseikojokrom, Yawmatwa, Yellow Camp, and others to engage with the farmers on the need to sell their cocoa produce to the Ghana government.

Nana Yaw Berima Donkor appealed to farmers to put an end to that activity if the report is true. He disclosed this to Adom News’ Augustine Boah when he paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of Sehwi Wiawso, Katakyire Kwasi Bumagamah II, the Western North regional minister, Richard Ebbah Obeng and the headline sponsor of the maiden Western North Regional Farmers’ Day celebration at Sehwi Asawinso, Asante Gold Corporation.

On his part, Katakyire Kwasi Bumagamah II, congratulated him for winning the best regional farmer. According to Katakyire, they felt proud and happy that one of their own has been declared the best farmer. He urged the regional best farmer to continue to work hard until he gets to the national level.

The regional best farmer and his entourage also visited the Asante Gold Corporation at Sehwi Etwebo. During the visit, the Executive Vice President and Country Director of Asante Gold Corporation, Frederick Attakumah, disclosed the mining firm will continue to give its support to the farmers in the region.

He said they donated the brand new Kia Hunter Pickup to the best farmer to encourage everyone to go into farming. Fredrick Attakumah mentioned the mine is there to ensure the indigenes get benefits from the work they are doing.