Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has issued a strong warning to individuals and syndicates using the region as a transit route for cocoa smuggling to neighbouring countries.
Speaking during an engagement with cocoa farmers in Hohoe as part of a one-day working visit by COCOBOD Board Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Mr. Gunu stressed that government will not tolerate any attempts to divert Ghana’s cocoa, one of the nation’s most valuable export commodities through illegal channels.
He revealed that intelligence reports show that some smugglers have been taking advantage of portions of the Volta Region’s borders to transport cocoa to neighbouring countries where they receive higher prices. He cautioned that anyone arrested would face the full rigours of the law.
Mr. Gunu, who described cocoa as “the spirit and soul of Ghana,” lamented that despite the high number of youth applying for jobs at COCOBOD, the very commodity that could create employment for them is being siphoned out through illegal smuggling.
He urged the youth and community members to take an active role in the fight against cocoa smuggling to protect national resources and secure job opportunities for future generations.
