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Togbega Anyome, the Chief of the Wli Agorviefe in the Wli Traditional Area of the Volta Region, has pledged to join the effort of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to curtail the smuggling of cocoa beans from Ghana, across the eastern border to neighbouring Togo.

He gave the assurance that he will begin to mobilize his people to assist the local security agencies to stop the illegal trafficking of goods through his town, particularly, cocoa related items like cocoa beans, COCOBOD’s agrochemicals and fertilizers.

The Chief said this when the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on him, following a visit to the Wli Agorviefe Immigration post.

Wli Agorviefe is right in a valley which separates Ghana and Togo in the northern part of the Volta Region. It has over the years gained some notoriety for being a popular route for armed syndicates who smuggle goods in and out of the country.

In addressing the Chief and the other leaders of the community present at the meeting, Hon. Boahen Aidoo spoke about the adverse effect of the criminal activities on the cocoa sector. He emphasised the importance of cocoa to the Ghanaian economy; being a major source of revenue from which many development projects are funded.

He went on to inform them about the new risk compensation package which COCOBOD has established as part of an anti-smuggling effort. Hence, any security personnel and ordinary citizen, who is involved in foiling the smuggling of cocoa beans from Ghana or any agrochemicals, fertilisers and machinery meant for use by Ghanaian cocoa farmers only, will be compensated for the risk taken.

Two-thirds (2/3) of the value of the seized items will be the amount given to those involved in stopping the smuggling.

The COCOBOD Boss said that going forward there will be further engagements with the leaders of the town, as they have a vital role to play in disseminating information to the townsfolk and mobilising, especially, the youth, to work closely with the security personnel stationed in the town to make the anti-smuggling effort a success.

In response, the Chief admitted that it was regrettable that the activities of criminals have tarnished the image of the otherwise peaceful town. It was for that reason that he wants to seize the present opportunity created by COCOBOD to stop the criminals, and in so doing, clean-up the image of the town.

He promised to avail himself and the town’s leaders to further engagements to help make the anti-smuggling effort a success.