The Ghana Cocoa Board has raised concerns over what it describes as a growing “reverse smuggling” trend, where cocoa beans from Côte d’Ivoire are allegedly being brought into Ghana through illegal channels and sold into the local supply chain.
According to COCOBOD, some individuals linked to licensed buying companies are reportedly using state-backed funds to purchase cheaper cocoa beans smuggled across the border, a practice officials say is distorting the market and undermining local farmers.
Speaking to Reuters, Jake Kudjo Semahar said the situation has emerged in four regions along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire border, marking a reversal of earlier smuggling patterns where Ghanaian cocoa was taken out of the country.
He warned that the development is now a serious concern for the sector, especially as it threatens farmer incomes and Ghana’s international reputation for premium cocoa quality.
The alleged activity is being driven by a significant price difference between the two countries. Côte d’Ivoire is reportedly selling cocoa at around GH₵1,200 per 64-kilogram bag, while Ghana’s official farmgate price stands at GH₵2,587, creating incentives for illicit trade.
COCOBOD claims some clerks and purchasing agents are exploiting this gap for personal gain, diverting cheaper beans into Ghana’s licensed purchasing system.
However, the Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana has distanced member companies from institutional involvement. Its General Secretary, Vitus Dzah, said no licensed buying company would officially sanction such practices, arguing that the misconduct is being carried out by individual staff working independently.
He noted that similar challenges were experienced in the 2004/2005 cocoa season, warning that the sector risks repeating past losses if the issue is not addressed.
COCOBOD also linked the situation to broader liquidity challenges in the cocoa sector, which have delayed payments to farmers for beans delivered since November 2025, adding to tensions within farming communities.
The Board warned that mixing smuggled cocoa with locally produced beans could damage Ghana’s premium cocoa brand, which commands strong recognition on the global market.
COCOBOD’s anti-smuggling task force recently arrested four suspects and intercepted over 100 bags of suspected Ivorian cocoa in the Dormaa West District. Officials say the operation is part of an expanded crackdown aimed at disrupting illegal cross-border trade.
Investigations are ongoing, and COCOBOD says sanctions will be applied if licensed buying companies are found to be institutionally complicit.
