A Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) officer, Edward Azi, has raised concerns over the increasing rate of cocoa smuggling in the Suaman district of the Western North region.
He has described the trend as a growing threat to the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and the national cocoa sector.
He says the situation has reached alarming levels and requires urgent attention from all stakeholders.
Azi made the revelation during the 2025 Farmers’ Day celebration at Antokrom, where he highlighted that the illegal trade continues despite ongoing efforts to promote best agronomic practices and improve cocoa yields in the district.
He stressed that the actions of smugglers undermine the work of CHED and other agencies committed to sustaining the cocoa industry.
He further explained that some farmers and middlemen are believed to be working with the smugglers by transporting dried cocoa beans through unapproved routes into neighbouring countries in search of higher prices.
This, he said, deprives Ghana of significant revenue and weakens the country’s position in the global cocoa market.
The District Chief Executive for Suaman, Vasco Obour, also addressed the issue, announcing that the Assembly, in collaboration with security agencies, has set up a task force to clamp down on the illegal activity.
The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and ensure that offenders are swiftly dealt with.
Obour appealed to residents to support the Assembly and all relevant stakeholders in their efforts to eliminate cocoa smuggling, emphasising that the continued loss of cocoa beans negatively affects production levels in the district.
He encouraged community cooperation to safeguard the region’s economy and protect the nation’s cocoa industry.
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