Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa has accused Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh of instigating a cocoa smuggling syndicate to undermine the government.
Security agencies have arrested four suspects linked to the illegal movement of cocoa from Ivory Coast into the Bono Region.
The Minister recently concluded a two-week accountability tour across Dormaa Central, Dormaa West, and Dormaa East.
Reports gathered during these visits indicated that certain individuals used state funds intended for local cocoa purchases to buy cheaper beans across the border.
Honourable Akwaboa stated that these actors aimed to sabotage the current administration by creating an artificial shortage of funds for Ghanaian farmers.
Many agricultural workers informed the delegation that licensed buyers refused to purchase harvested crops despite the recent upward adjustment in national cocoa prices.
The Government provided significant financial resources to Purchasing Clerks and Licensed Buying Companies to support the local industry.
However, some of these entities allegedly redirected capital to Ivory Coast, where the price of a single bag in Ghana could purchase more than two bags in the neighboring country.
Intelligence gathered during the tour suggested that the perpetrators were instructed to exhaust government liquidity on Ivorian produce.
This coordinated effort reportedly sought to make the administration unpopular by leaving Ghanaian farmers without payment for their produce.
The Minister tasked the Cocoa Board’s anti-smuggling team and regional security officers with intercepting these illegal shipments.
Authorities successfully seized more than 100 bags of smuggled cocoa hidden in private residences and transport vehicles during the operation.
Honourable Akwaboa issued a stern warning to those involved and cautioned against using official positions to undermine national progress.
He expressed disappointment that individuals who claim to love the country would engage in activities that threaten the stability of the cocoa sector.
The Regional Minister revealed that some of the arrested individuals held executive positions within the New Patriotic Party. He noted that available evidence suggests these members acted against national interests to pursue specific political ambitions rather than support local growers.
Hon. Joseph A. Akwaboa, Bono Region Minister“Unfortunately, those involved in the cocoa trade claim to love Ghana, yet they are the very ones undermining it. Among those we apprehended, some are even NPP executives.”
Akwaboa vowed to end smuggling within the Bono Region regardless of the political status or influence of those involved. He emphasised that the government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare and financial security of Ghanaian cocoa farmers.
Bono Authorities Strengthen Border Controls To Curb Cocoa Smuggling
The Bono Regional Administration has intensified surveillance at all border points to prevent further infiltration of foreign agricultural products into the domestic market.
Minister Akwaboa directed all Purchasing Clerks to adhere strictly to their mandate of supporting the local supply chain.
Investigations into the syndicate revealed a complex network of financiers and transporters allegedly operating under the guidance of political figures.
The Minister insisted that the state would prosecute every individual connected to the seized Ivorian cocoa.
“I am stating this clearly: in the Bono Region, we will stop smuggling completely. It does not matter what position you hold in Ghana; I will deal with you.”
Hon. Joseph A. Akwaboa, Bono Region Minister
The disparity in regional pricing has created a lucrative opportunity for those seeking to exploit government investment in the cocoa sector.
While global market trends influence local pricing, the gap between Ghana and Ivory Coast remains a major driver of the smuggling activities.
Minister Akwaboa highlighted that the administration maintains relatively high prices to benefit citizens despite the risks of cross-border exploitation.
He argued that the actions of the syndicate effectively drain the Ghanaian treasury while enriching foreign markets.
The Minister challenged the Minority Chief Whip to respond to the allegations regarding his alleged role in the smuggling activities. He asserted that political competition should focus on policy development rather than actions that harm the national economy.
Security personnel have been ordered to conduct random inspections of warehouses and suspected storage facilities across the Dormaa enclave. The regional leadership also expects full cooperation from traditional authorities to help identify individuals using local routes for illegal trade.
The Minister reminded the public that the cocoa industry remains a backbone of the economy and must be protected from partisan interference. He suggested that current evidence points to individuals prioritizing political power over the welfare of rural farmers.
Akwaboa warned that future interventions would be more decisive against those who ignore directives from the regional security council. He maintained that the Bono Region will no longer serve as a transit point for economic sabotage or illegal trade.
The government plans to review the licenses of buying companies found complicit in the smuggling of Ivorian cocoa. Minister Akwaboa emphasised that protecting the Ghanaian farmer must take precedence over political interests and corporate profit.
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