The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is proposing tougher punishments for cocoa smuggling as part of a major review of the country’s cocoa laws.
Deputy Director of Research at COCOBOD, Eric Amengor, disclosed that the proposed measures include a 10-year prison sentence, a fine of 200,000 penalty units, or both, for anyone caught smuggling cocoa into or out of Ghana.
According to him, the move forms part of efforts to curb the growing problem of cocoa smuggling across Ghana’s borders, particularly into Côte d’Ivoire.
“There is a new COCOBOD law; we are reviewing our laws, and we are making it very punitive for anyone who smuggles cocoa in or out of Ghana,” he stated in a video shared by Citi FM on May 26, 2026.
Beyond the harsher penalties, COCOBOD is also proposing the establishment of a special cocoa tribunal to fast-track the prosecution of cocoa-related offences and prevent cases from dragging through the regular court system.
“We also intend to propose a cocoa tribunal to ensure that cocoa cases are dealt with as quickly as possible,” Amengor explained.
He further issued a stern warning to individuals involved in cocoa smuggling, urging them to stay away from the illegal trade.
The proposed reforms come amid increasing concerns over cocoa smuggling, which authorities say is driven by price differences between Ghana and neighbouring countries as well as weak enforcement of existing laws.
