Deputy Director of Research at COCOBOD, Eric Amengor, has disclosed that Ghana is preparing its toughest-ever crackdown on cocoa smuggling, with COCOBOD proposing a 10-year jail term, a fine of 200,000 penalty units or both, for anyone caught smuggling cocoa in or out of the country.

In a video shared by Citi FM on May 26, 2026, Amengor signalled that a comprehensive review of Ghana's cocoa laws is already underway.

"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. In the first place, we have proposed a 10-year jail term and 200,000 penalty units, or both, for anyone who attempts to smuggle cocoa," he said.

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Beyond the stiffer penalties, Amengor said the body has proposed the establishment of a dedicated cocoa tribunal to fast-track prosecution of offenders, ensuring that cases are resolved swiftly rather than getting lost in an already stretched court system.

"We also intend to propose a cocoa tribunal to ensure that cocoa cases are dealt with as quickly as possible," he said.

He then issued a direct warning to would-be offenders, stating, "So if you know any smugglers, just advise the smuggler to stay back from smuggling Ghana's cocoa."

This comes as Ghana has faced sustained pressure from smuggling across its borders, particularly into Côte d'Ivoire, driven by price differentials and weak enforcement of existing laws.

Watch the video below:

Deputy Director of Research at COCOBOD, Eric Amengor, says government is proposing tougher penalties for cocoa smuggling, including a 10-year jail term and the establishment of a special cocoa tribunal.

He added that COCOBOD is in talks with the Ministry of Finance to secure… pic.twitter.com/GDIyQNIx2g

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 26, 2026