The National Association of Cocoa Farmers (NACF) has categorically refuted claims suggesting that cocoa farmers are smuggling their produce to other countries due to the producer price in Ghana.
The Association asserted that its members lack the operational capacity to transport and sell cocoa illegally outside of Ghana’s borders.
Mr. Stephen Anane Boateng, the National President, described these assertions as unfounded.
He contended that it is politicians, business interests, and their media collaborators who are actually engaged in the illicit smuggling of cocoa out of the country. .
He stressed that cocoa farmers do not possess the requisite financial resources or logistical capacity to purchase, transport, and smuggle the substantial quantities of cocoa typically associated with these illicit trade activities.
“Cocoa farmers are not the ones smuggling cocoa. The businessmen with the capital and politicians are the ones smuggling the cocoa to other countries. How many of the farmers have the resources or capacity to purchase 100 bags of cocoa and smuggle it out of the country? When suspected smugglers are arrested, we only see the vehicles and number plates allegedly used, not the faces of the perpetrators. Does a number plate smuggle cocoa?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Mr Stephen Anane Boateng has expressed excitement over the new price of Ghc3,625 per bag, as announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, as a positive development that has been well-received by the Association’s membership.
Mr. Boateng further stated that the Association had previously proposed the implementation of a price adjustment formula. This mechanism would automatically trigger an increase in the cocoa price whenever the dollar appreciates significantly against the local currency.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
