Ghana Loses Over a Third of 2023/24 Cocoa Output to Smuggling

Accra, Ghana – Ghana has suffered a staggering loss of more than a third of its cocoa output for the 2023/24 season due to smuggling, according to a top official from the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod). This alarming figure underscores the severe impact that illicit trafficking and related challenges have on the nation’s crucial cocoa industry.
Charles Amenyaglo, Director of Special Services at Cocobod and head of the board’s anti-smuggling task force, disclosed that the smuggling losses for the season amount to approximately 160,000 tonnes. This marks a significant escalation, with losses more than tripling compared to the previous year. The task force has also intercepted about 250 tonnes of smuggled cocoa, a notable increase from 17 tonnes in 2022/23.
Ghana’s cocoa industry, vital to its economy and one of the largest sources of export revenue, has been hit hard by this crisis. By the end of June, the country had produced 429,323 metric tons of cocoa, which is less than 55% of the average output for this period in previous years. This production shortfall is set to result in the most substantial decline in output in over two decades.
The crisis in Ghana is exacerbated by several factors. Low local cocoa prices and payment delays are pushing farmers to sell their produce to increasingly sophisticated smuggling rings. Additionally, poor harvests in Ghana and neighboring Ivory Coast—the world’s largest cocoa producer—have contributed to a global supply deficit. This shortage has driven up cocoa and chocolate prices worldwide.
Comparatively, cocoa prices are higher in Ivory Coast and Togo due to the more stable CFA franc currency and a less regulated market environment. This disparity further incentivizes smuggling as farmers seek better prices outside Ghana.
The Cocobod’s anti-smuggling task force faces significant challenges in combating this issue. Addressing the smuggling problem requires not only enhanced enforcement but also a reevaluation of pricing and regulatory mechanisms to provide better support for local farmers and stabilize the sector.
As Ghana navigates these turbulent times, the focus remains on mitigating the effects of smuggling and restoring the integrity of its cocoa industry. For ongoing updates on the impact of smuggling and efforts to address this crisis, stay connected to our website.