COCOBOD Raises Alarm Over Rising Cocoa Smuggling From Ivory Coast
Ghana’s cocoa industry is facing a growing threat as authorities uncover a troubling surge in the smuggling of cocoa beans from neighboring Ivory Coast into the country, raising concerns over farmer livelihoods, market integrity, and the international reputation of Ghanaian cocoa.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has revealed that some officials connected to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are allegedly diverting government funds intended for local cocoa purchases to acquire cheaper cocoa beans smuggled across the border from Ivory Coast.
According to Jake Kudjo Semahar, Director of Special Services at COCOBOD, the illegal practice has rapidly expanded across four regions along the Ghana-Ivory Coast border, signaling a dramatic shift in long-standing smuggling trends.
“For years, Ghana battled the smuggling of its cocoa into Ivory Coast and Togo. Now, the reverse is happening, and it should be a major national concern,” Semahar stated.
The development is being fueled by a significant price disparity between the two countries. While cocoa in Ivory Coast sells for approximately 1,200 cedis per 64-kilogram bag, Ghana currently offers a farmgate price of 2,587 cedis for the same quantity. The huge difference has reportedly created opportunities for unscrupulous individuals seeking to make illegal profits.
COCOBOD says some purchasing officers and clerks are taking advantage of the situation by channeling state funds into cross-border cocoa deals instead of supporting Ghanaian farmers. The practice, authorities warn, not only deprives local cocoa producers of deserved income but also threatens the premium quality image that has made Ghanaian cocoa highly respected on the global market.
The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana has, however, distanced its member companies from any institutional involvement. General Secretary Vitus Dzah insisted that no recognized cocoa buying company would officially endorse such activities.
According to him, the illegal trade is largely being driven by individual purchasing clerks acting out of personal greed.
“They go as far as giving money to middlemen who cross into Ivory Coast to buy cocoa on their behalf,” Dzah explained, recalling that a similar situation during the 2004/2005 cocoa season resulted in massive financial losses for Licensed Buying Companies.
The revelations come at a time when Ghana’s cocoa sector is already battling a prolonged liquidity crisis. Many farmers across the country have reportedly remained unpaid for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025, worsening frustrations within the industry.
Semahar warned that the continued inflow of foreign cocoa into Ghana’s supply chain could have serious long-term consequences.
“Apart from denying Ghanaian farmers their income, the country is effectively subsidizing cocoa production in Ivory Coast,” he said. “Mixing smuggled foreign cocoa with Ghanaian beans also risks damaging the premium quality status that gives Ghana a competitive edge on the international market.”
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In response to the growing threat, COCOBOD’s anti-smuggling task force has intensified operations along the border. Last week, officials arrested four suspects and seized more than 100 bags of smuggled Ivorian cocoa at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District.
Authorities describe the operation as the beginning of a wider nationwide crackdown aimed at dismantling the illegal cocoa trade network.
COCOBOD says investigations are ongoing and has warned that severe sanctions will be imposed if any Licensed Buying Company is found to be institutionally involved in the smuggling activities
