The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has intensified its crackdown on cocoa smuggling with a new incentive scheme that promises cash rewards to informants who help track down smugglers.

In a statement, COCOBOD announced that under the initiative, anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest and confiscation of smuggled cocoa will receive one-third of the value of the seized goods.

“Informants and anti-smuggling agents will receive one-third of the assessed value of confiscated cocoa as their reward,” the statement said.

The Board said the reviewed reward scheme is aimed at sustaining the country’s anti-smuggling efforts and encouraging citizens to play an active role in protecting Ghana’s cocoa industry.

“This reviewed scheme is designed to ensure the sustainability of the anti-smuggling campaign while maintaining strong public participation in the collective effort to curb cocoa smuggling,” the statement added.

Cocoa smuggling has become a growing threat to Ghana’s economy, depriving the nation of export revenue and undermining the livelihoods of legitimate farmers.

Smugglers often take advantage of price differentials between Ghana and neighbouring countries, moving beans illegally across borders for higher profits.

“Cocoa smuggling continues to deprive the nation of revenue and denies value chain actors the full benefits of their hard work,” COCOBOD revealed.

The Board emphasized the need for community collaboration, particularly in border and hotspot areas, to protect Ghana’s “premium cocoa” from being lost to illicit trade.

It also urged citizens to report suspicious activities through the Special Anti-Smuggling Task Force hotline — 0308-040-107.

“All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality, and rewards will be paid without undue delay,” the statement assured.

COCOBOD reaffirmed its broader mission to safeguard the country’s cocoa sector from threats that endanger farmers’ livelihoods and Ghana’s economic stability.

“COCOBOD reiterates its commitment to protecting the cocoa sector for the benefit of farmers, the economy, and the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry,” it said.