A growing political standoff is emerging over cocoa smuggling allegations, as Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa issues a strong warning to Nsawam/Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

The Minister has accused the lawmaker of encouraging Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to divert funds meant for local cocoa purchases to neighbouring Ivory Coast, allegedly to procure cheaper cocoa for smuggling into Ghana.

His comments follow the arrest of three suspects at the Nkrankwanta border, where authorities intercepted over 100 bags of cocoa believed to have been smuggled from Ivory Coast.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Akwaboa claimed that the alleged practice is being driven by price disparities between the two countries, making cross-border sourcing more profitable than buying from Ghanaian farmers.

“One other thing we saw is that Annoh-Dompreh… [is] telling those who buy the cocoa that when the government gives them the money… they should send the money to Ivory Coast and smuggle cocoa to Ghana,” he alleged.

He warned that such actions undermine government efforts to support local cocoa farmers and could destabilise Ghana’s cocoa sector.

“I am telling those who do this, especially Annoh-Dompreh, that they should not attempt this in Bono Region again. Let us think about this country,” he cautioned.

The Minister further issued a stern personal warning, declaring, “For as long as I remain Bono Regional Minister, if the smuggling doesn’t stop, the things I will do will shock some people… those who have decided not to buy Ghanaian cocoa but rather from Ivory Coast — prepare for me.”

He also highlighted the economic incentive driving the alleged smuggling, noting that proceeds from a bag of cocoa sold in Ghana could purchase up to two and a half bags in Ivory Coast.

Mr. Akwaboa insisted that authorities in the region will intensify monitoring and enforcement, stressing that anyone found culpable will face sanctions regardless of their political or social status.

The development signals rising tensions over cocoa trade practices, as government moves to protect local production and clamp down on cross-border smuggling.