Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has issued a stern warning to individuals and syndicates using the region as a transit route for cocoa smuggling into neighbouring countries.

Addressing cocoa farmers in Hohoe during a one-day working visit by COCOBOD Board Chairman Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo to the Volta and Oti regions, Mr. Gunu stressed that the government will not tolerate any attempts to divert Ghana’s cocoa—one of the nation’s most valuable export commodities—through illegal means.

He revealed that intelligence reports indicate some smugglers are exploiting border communities in the Volta Region to transport cocoa to nearby countries, offering higher prices.

The Minister cautioned that anyone caught will face the full force of the law.

“If you think you can use the Volta Region as a transit point to smuggle cocoa, you'd better change your mind,” he warned. “And if you are caught, don’t call me—you will be jailed.”

Mr. Gunu described cocoa as the “spirit and soul of Ghana,” noting that many young people seek employment at COCOBOD, yet the same commodity that could create jobs is being smuggled out of the region and the country. He urged the youth to support efforts to curb cocoa smuggling actively.

He emphasised that smuggling deprives the country of revenue, harms farmers, and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa sector. Security agencies, he added, have intensified surveillance along the borders and will continue to collaborate with community leaders to clamp down on illegal activities.

The Minister encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and support efforts to protect the country’s resources and sustain the cocoa industry.