The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has introduced a revised reward scheme that allocates one-third of the value of confiscated cocoa to informants and anti-smuggling operatives, in a renewed push to curb illicit cross-border trade.

The initiative seeks to boost public involvement in the fight against cocoa smuggling, which continues to drain national revenue and undermine the stability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

By granting one-third of the assessed value of seized cocoa, COCOBOD hopes to motivate individuals to report smuggling activities, particularly along border communities and known trafficking routes.

This revised incentive forms part of COCOBOD’s broader effort to sustain the cocoa sector, which supports millions of livelihoods and remains a vital pillar of Ghana’s economy.

Smuggling not only causes financial losses but also distorts market dynamics and denies farmers, processors, and licensed buyers fair compensation.

As the world’s second-largest cocoa producer – Ghana faces mounting pressure to protect its premium beans amid rising global demand and regional price disparities.

The new reward scheme marks a significant step toward safeguarding national interests, promoting traceability, and preserving the integrity of the cocoa value chain.