The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cocoa smuggling across the country’s borders with the introduction of a new incentive scheme aimed at encouraging public participation in the fight against the illicit trade.
Under the revised reward programme, individuals and informants who provide credible information leading to the arrest of smugglers will receive one-third (1/3) of the assessed value of the confiscated cocoa as their reward.
The initiative, according to COCOBOD, seeks to strengthen the sustainability of ongoing anti-smuggling operations and deepen collaboration with communities, especially those in border areas.
In a statement issued on Thursday, COCOBOD noted that cocoa smuggling continues to deprive the nation of significant revenue and undermines the livelihoods of value chain actors.
The Board emphasized that community vigilance remains critical to protecting Ghana’s reputation as a producer of premium-quality cocoa.
“Cocoa smuggling denies the nation and hardworking farmers the full benefits of their labour. The cooperation of communities, particularly those along the borders, is vital to safeguarding Ghana’s cocoa industry,” the statement said.
Members of the public with credible information on smuggling activities are encouraged to contact the Special Anti-Smuggling Task Force through the hotline 0308-040-107.
COCOBOD assured that all reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and that rewards will be paid promptly.
The Board reiterated its commitment to protecting the cocoa sector for the benefit of farmers, the national economy, and the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
