COCOBOD alarmed as cocoa output collapses in Volta and Oti Regions

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is sounding the alarm over what it describes as a dramatic and worrying collapse in cocoa production across the Volta and Oti Regions, where yields have plummeted by more than 6,000 tons in just four years.

The alarming downturn forms part of a decade-long decline that officials warn is being driven by growing smuggling activities and the increasing tendency of farmers to sell their beans to unlicensed middlemen.

Farmers selling outside the system

COCOBOD Board Chair, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo, led a high-level delegation to the two regions to meet farmers and stakeholders in an effort to understand the steep drop in government-recorded cocoa sales.

At the meetings, farmers were blunt about their frustrations. Many cited persistent delays in payments from the Produce Buying Company (PBC), arguing that they are often left with no option but to sell to private individuals who offer instant cash.

Volta–Oti Regional Chief Farmer, Nana Kwane Abass, also raised concerns about security failures that allow smuggling to thrive.
“Cocoa bags don’t have wings to fly,” he said. “They pass along our roads, some with checkpoints, yet they are not intercepted. It tells you some people are looking the other way.”

Smuggling costing Ghana millions

Dr. Ampofo warned that Ghana is losing huge amounts of foreign exchange as illegal operators channel beans to Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. He stressed that neighbouring countries reap profits from beans grown in Ghana despite contributing nothing to their production.

“After all the resources we invest in the sector, cocoa is freely exported to Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, who have done virtually nothing. The harm to our economy is serious,” he lamented.

He revealed that the country’s cocoa output for the 2023/2024 season fell to just 450,000 metric tons, far below the projected 800,000, attributing much of the shortfall to smuggling and other supply chain irregularities.

Call for stronger enforcement and reliable payments

To curb the loss of beans to illegal buyers, the COCOBOD Chair urged farmers to sell only to certified purchasing companies that can guarantee prompt payment.

Regional leaders also issued stern warnings.
Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, vowed to clamp down on anyone attempting to use the region as a corridor for cross-border cocoa smuggling.
“We will deal ruthlessly with those involved. If you think you can use the Volta Region as a transit point, change your mind,” he cautioned.

Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, announced plans to task the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) with developing practical measures to block smuggling routes. He also encouraged more youth to take up cocoa farming to rebuild the region’s dwindling output.

“REGSEC will take this matter up. We will meet, strategise, and stop cocoa smuggling in Oti,” he assured.