Anti-cocoa smuggling task force seize bags of Ghana’s cocoa intended to be smuggled to Togo
The relentless efforts of the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Police Service have yielded significant results in the past two weeks with multiple interceptions thwarting attempts to smuggle Ghana’s cocoa beans into neighbouring Togo.
In a series of intelligence-led operations across the country, the task force successfully intercepted a total of 295 bags and 30 drums of cocoa, safeguarding a vital national asset and protecting the livelihoods of Ghanaian cocoa farmers.
At Bolgatanga, customs officers acting on a tip-off intercepted a vehicle loaded with 170 bags of cocoa destined for Togo.
In a similar operation at Zorungu, also near Bolgatanga, officers seized a vehicle transporting 30 drums of cocoa, again bound for the Togolese market.
Additionally, at Zebila, 16 bags of cocoa were retrieved from another vehicle heading towards the border.
Further south, a joint team at Sogakope uncovered a sophisticated smuggling attempt involving a VIP bus loaded with 12 bags of cocoa cleverly concealed within kola nuts.
The consignment originated from Kwahu Fodoa and was en route to Togo through Aflao.
In yet another interception at Juapong, a vehicle carrying 15 bags of cocoa hidden under plastic products was apprehended at Maame Water.
This batch, reportedly loaded at Kasoa, was also intended for Togo via Kadjebi.
The Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), working alongside the task force, intercepted a Kumasi-Aflao bound bus at Kpotame near Sogakope, discovering 22 bags of cocoa concealed among passengers’ goods.
This consignment was traced back to Kwahu Fodoa near Nkawkaw.
The most recent operation saw the Sogakope team, again acting on intelligence, intercept a vehicle at Hlevi loaded with 30 bags of cocoa, camouflaged under bags of sachet water.
The cocoa was loaded at Dawenya and was intended for Togo via Dzodze.
All suspects, along with the vehicles and the cocoa, have been handed over to the Police for further investigation.
These successful operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force and its security partners to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry from illegal trade which threatens the country’s economy and undermines farmer incomes.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has reiterated its call on the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities related to cocoa smuggling.
Together, stakeholders can help sustain the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa which remains a symbol of national pride and a critical contributor to the country’s economic growth.
AME
