COCOBOD, GRA FOIL COCOA SMUGGLING ATTEMPT AT TOGO BORDER

Date: 24th February 2025

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, has intercepted a truck carrying 1,115 gallons of cocoa beans at the Ave-Havi border in the Volta region near Togo.  The truck, with registration number AS 2103-W, was driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu.

The operation, which discovered smuggled beans concealed in gallons in the vehicle, is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal exports of Ghana’s premium cocoa to neighbouring countries, Togo.

Mr. Charles Amenyaglo, Director in charge of Special Services, COCOBOD, mentioned that the cocoa was being smuggled for sale in Togo in an attempt  to evade Ghana’s regulated pricing system. The intercepted consignment is now in the custody of COCOBOD and GRA, pending further investigations.

Mr Amenyaglo expressed concern over the trend, stating, “This interception is a proof that cocoa smuggling remains a serious issue in Ghana, and we are intensifying our efforts to track down these illegal operations and protect our farmers and the economy.”

The COCOBOD Head of Security reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s cocoa industry from illegal trade.

“We remain vigilant and will continue working with security agencies to prevent the smuggling of cocoa, which threatens the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers and the economy as a whole”.

Meanwhile, Fatawu, the truck driver, is in police custody for questioning. Authorities have warned that those involved in cocoa smuggling will face strict legal consequences.

This latest interception reinforces COCOBOD and the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s cocoa industry from illegal smuggling activities across the country. 

Management of COCOBOD is urging the public to report suspicious cocoa-related activities, ensuring that the nation’s prized commodity remains within regulated trade channels.