COCOBOD implements a one-third reward program to combat cocoa smuggling

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has launched an updated reward program that designates one-third of the value of confiscated cocoa to informants and anti-smuggling agents, as part of a renewed effort to combat illegal cross-border trade. This initiative aims to enhance public participation in the battle against cocoa smuggling, which continues to deplete national revenue and threaten the stability of Ghana’s cocoa sector. By offering one-third of the assessed value of confiscated cocoa, COCOBOD intends to encourage individuals to report smuggling incidents, especially in border communities and along known trafficking routes. This updated incentive is part of COCOBOD’s larger strategy to sustain the cocoa industry, which supports millions of livelihoods and is a crucial component of Ghana’s economy. Smuggling not only results in financial losses but also disrupts market dynamics and deprives farmers, processors, and licensed buyers of fair compensation. As the second-largest cocoa producer in the world, Ghana is under increasing pressure to safeguard its premium beans in the face of rising global demand and regional price imbalances. The new reward program represents a significant advancement in protecting national interests, enhancing traceability, and maintaining the integrity of the cocoa value chain.