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, registered AS 2103-W, was driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu. The smuggled cocoa beans were concealed in gallons, an attempt to evade Ghana’s regulated pricing system and sell them in Togo.
Director of Special Services at COCOBOD, Charles Amenyaglo, confirmed the interception, stating that it highlights the persistence of cocoa smuggling.
“This interception proves that cocoa smuggling remains a serious issue in Ghana. We are intensifying efforts to track down these illegal activities and protect our farmers and the economy,” he said.
The seized consignment is currently in the custody of COCOBOD and GRA, pending further investigations.
The COCOBOD Head of Security reiterated the Board’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“We remain vigilant and will continue working with security agencies to prevent cocoa smuggling, which threatens the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers and the economy as a whole,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, authorities have warned that those involved in cocoa smuggling will face strict legal consequences.
This latest interception reinforces COCOBOD and the government’s resolve to clamp down on illicit cocoa trade across the country.
COCOBOD has urged the public to report any suspicious cocoa-related activities to ensure Ghana’s prized commodity remains within regulated trade channels.
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