The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has disclosed that two more suspects believed to be significant players in cocoa smuggling activities in Dormaa Central have been arrested.
The arrests were carried out by the Bono Regional Anti-Cocoa Taskforce in partnership with security agencies, following heightened investigations into the illegal cocoa trade in the region.
During a media briefing at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sunyani, the Minister stated that the operation was initiated due to concerns expressed by cocoa farmers during his “Accounting to the People” tour of various communities, including Nkrankwanta, Dormaa Ahenkro, and Wamfie.
He noted that investigations indicated that the two suspects were the masterminds behind four individuals who were detained last week for similar offences.
The suspects were identified as Kumi Akyew, 45, and Ernest, 52, both purported cocoa buyers associated with the Yonkopa Cocoa Buying Company.
Mr. Addae Akwaboa elaborated that the suspects took advantage of price disparities between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to smuggle cocoa beans across the border, where they were sold at reduced prices.
He further accused them of misappropriating government financial assistance intended for purchasing cocoa from local farmers to instead acquire smuggled goods, a situation he claimed has led to delays in cocoa purchases and payments to farmers.
The Minister also indicated that misinformation circulating within cocoa-growing communities, reportedly linked to the New Patriotic Party, is exacerbating the ongoing illegal trade.
He mentioned that the two suspects will soon be brought before the court, while the four previously apprehended suspects are already undergoing prosecution.
Mr. Addae Akwaboa has urged the public to assist in efforts to combat cocoa smuggling by providing reliable information to security agencies.
