Why our farmers smuggle cocoa to Ivory Coast

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Randy Abbey has revealed why Ghanaian cocoa farmers smuggle cocoa to neighbouring countries especially Ivory Coast.

According to him, when there’s a significant price gap between Ghana and neighbouring markets, they are lured to carry out these unpatriotic acts.

Speaking on Newsfile on Joy FM, he pointed to research linking price disparities to illegal cross border trade.

“Research shows that anytime there is a gap of more than $400, the incidence of smuggling is very high,” he said.

Dr Abbey explained that the situation is further complicated by COCOBOD’s current cash flow constraints, which have affected its ability to purchase some cocoa beans. According to him, this creates an opening for smugglers.

“Even those who intend to smuggle know that Ghana is not buying,” he stated, referring to instances where financial limitations have left beans unpurchased.

He maintained that addressing these structural pressures is necessary to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry and ensure that farmers are not pushed toward illegal trade routes.