The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has cautioned farmers against smuggling of cocoa to neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some farmers have threatened to engage in this illegal act following the announcement of the producer price for the 2022\/2023 crop season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bag of cocoa was previously selling for GH\u00a2660 in Ghana until the government on announced an increment in the producer price by 21% to GH\u00a2800 for the 2022\/2023 cocoa crop season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new pricing regime is expected to take effect today, Friday, October 7, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some farmers have been unhappy with the rate of increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to Citi News on this, the Public Affairs Manager at COCOBOD, Fiifi Boafo, called on security services stationed at the borders to arrest persons who engage in the act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf persons are engaged in illegality, our expectation is that the law will take its course,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Boafo also believes there are enough incentives in place for police to enforce the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe understanding is that if you are transporting cocoa along our borders, there is a percentage that is paid to the policemen who will arrest you for this illegality, and I am sure that the policemen, when they meet you smuggling cocoa will obviously arrest you because there is something to enjoy from that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n