The Accra Circuit Court on June 4, 2025, granted bail totaling GH¢1.3 million to four individuals accused of unlawfully transporting cocoa beans without authorization from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The accused, Yakubu, Amponsah, and two others face charges under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act and the Cocoa Industry Regulations Act, which prohibit the unauthorized handling and transportation of cocoa beans.
According to court proceedings, Yakubu and Amponsah were each granted bail of GH¢100,000 with three sureties, two of whom must be public servants.
The remaining two defendants received bail amounts of GH¢550,000 each, also with three sureties.
All sureties are required to be justified, and the court has mandated that the accused report to the police weekly as part of their bail conditions.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges Ghana faces in combating cocoa smuggling.
In the 2023/24 season, Ghana lost approximately 160,000 tonnes of cocoa to smuggling, amounting to over a third of its crop.
Smuggling surged due to low local prices and payment delays, with farmers turning to traffickers who offer higher prices in neighboring countries like Ivory Coast and Togo.
In response to the crisis, Ghana has initiated the 2024/25 season with a revised funding model and a 45% farm-gate price increase, aiming to prevent further loss and stabilize the sector
The court has adjourned the case to June 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
