The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has clarified recent media reports suggesting that its Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, blamed cocoa smuggling activities on the Russian government.
In a statement, COCOBOD emphasised that at no point did the CEO, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, attribute cocoa smuggling to the Russian government.
COCOBOD’s statement clarified that its CEO rather raised concerns about local miscreants in Ghana involved in smuggling cocoa to foreign individuals, including some Russians based in neighboring countries.
COCOBOD stressed that this clarification is crucial, as false reports could lead to unnecessary diplomatic tensions.
COCOBOD urged media houses to exercise greater accuracy, particularly on issues with potential international repercussions, and reassured the public of its ongoing efforts, in collaboration with local and international partners, to combat cocoa smuggling and protect the industry.
Below is the full statement.
Source: Daniel Sackitey