Cocoa prices in Ghana have seen an increase recently, and this has had a positive impact on reducing cocoa smuggling, according to Emmanuel Arthur, the Managing Director of Kuapa Kokoo Company Limited. This increase in prices has motivated farmers to sell their cocoa beans within Ghana, which ultimately benefits the government financially. Arthur noted that the unified pricing system in Cote d’Ivoire has discouraged smuggling, as attempting to sell cocoa there at a different price would result in debt.
In addition to the price increase, the formation of a task force by the Ghana Cocoa Board to combat cocoa smuggling has been praised by Mr. Arthur. Speaking at the 30th Annual Delegates Conference of Kuapa Kokoo, he emphasized the importance of promoting value addition and diversification to improve farmers’ income. He also assured the farmers of improved working conditions.
However, Mr. Arthur raised concerns about the negative impact of illegal mining activities on the cocoa sector. He highlighted how illegal miners often destroy cocoa trees, leading to a decrease in cocoa plant numbers. Furthermore, the polluted water bodies resulting from illegal mining affect the spraying of cocoa, leading to plant deaths instead of growth.
James Agyekum Kwarteng, the President of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union, expressed optimism about the future due to the government’s cocoa price increase. He mentioned that this increase has discouraged farmers from selling their land to illegal miners and expressed hope for further price increments in the future. The Union is committed to engaging farmers to safeguard the cocoa industry.
It is evident that the recent cocoa price increase in Ghana has had a positive impact on curbing cocoa smuggling and improving the livelihoods of farmers. The efforts of the Ghana Cocoa Board and organizations like Kuapa Kokoo are crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the cocoa sector. By addressing challenges such as illegal mining, the industry can continue to thrive and benefit both farmers and the government.
