Farmers smuggling cocoa to Ivory Coast despite price hike – Esaase Chief reveals

The Ghanaian cocoa sector has long been concerned about cocoa smuggling, which not only denies the government of crucial tax money but also makes it more difficult to efficiently manage the cocoa trade.

In order to address this expanding problem, authorities must now put in place tougher border restrictions and surveillance procedures. While ensuring that cocoa farmers continue to profit from the higher producer price, the government is focused on reducing unlawful trade.

Although President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently announced a significant increase in the price of cocoa producers, some cocoa farmers in the Western North region of Ghana are reportedly on a smuggling rampage to take advantage of higher prices across the border.

On September 9, 2023, President Akufo-Addo declared a 63.6% increase in the farm gate price of cocoa beans, elevating it from GH₵800 to GH₵1,308 per bag for the 2023/24 cocoa season.

However, Nana Kwaku Ntuah II, Chief of Esaase, has expressed his concerns over a rampant surge in cocoa smuggling to the Ivory Coast, despite the substantial increase in the farm gate price of cocoa beans.

Speaking to Sefwinews.com, He disclosed that while the recent positive development of a significant cocoa price increase has been welcomed with open arms, it has also inadvertently spawned unforeseen consequences in the border areas.

“Despite the significant increase in cocoa producer price, farmers around the borders are smuggling the cocoa to Ivory Coast,” Nana Kwaku Ntuah II lamented.

Chief of Esaase pointed out that several communities along the Ghana-Ivory Coast border, including Dabiso, Ackaatiso, Oseikojokrom, Adabokrom in Bia West and East districts, and Kwasuo in Suaman, have become hotspots for this illicit trade.

The chief attributed this rise in smuggling to the attractive prices offered for cocoa across the border in Ivory Coast, where cocoa is currently being sold at GH₵1,570 per bag.

Nana Kwaku Ntuah II expressed his concerns, “After raising our producer price to GH₵1,308, the current price in Ivory Coast stands at GH₵1,570. This price disparity has motivated those living near the borders to engage in cocoa smuggling to Ivory Coast.”