Ghana has lost a significant portion of its cocoa production to smuggling during the 2023/24 season.
According to a top official from the cocoa marketing board (Cocobod), more than a third of the country’s cocoa output has been diverted to illegal channels.
Several factors have contributed to the rise in smuggling, including low local prices and delays in payments to farmers.
These conditions have driven some cocoa producers to sell their beans to smugglers who offer higher prices and more immediate payment.
The smuggling of cocoa has had a severe impact on Ghana’s economy, as the country is a major exporter of this valuable commodity.
To combat the issue, the government has implemented various measures, such as increasing the farmgate price for cocoa and deploying the military to assist in anti-smuggling efforts.
While these measures are expected to help reduce smuggling, the ongoing challenges faced by the cocoa industry in Ghana highlight the need for continued efforts to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and ensure the sustainability of the country’s cocoa sector.