By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
Four suspects have been apprehended for orchestrating the clandestine trafficking of more than 100 bags of cocoa beans from Côte d’Ivoire into Ghana, following a meticulously coordinated swoop by the Anti-Smuggling Unit of the Ghana Cocoa Board in concert with national security operatives.
The high-stakes interdiction unfolded at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District, where a truck laden with contraband cocoa was intercepted before it could infiltrate Ghana’s regulated supply chain.
Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, addressing a news conference in Sunyani, revealed that the operation was precipitated by intelligence garnered during his “Accounting to the People Series” tour , a grassroots engagement that unearthed damning grievances from local cocoa farmers.
“The operation led to the interception of a truck loaded with more than 100 bags of cocoa believed to have been smuggled from Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana,” he told journalists.
According to the Minister, farmers in the enclave decried the conduct of certain Licensed Buying Companies and cocoa clerks who, despite receiving financial clearance from government, had egregiously neglected to purchase their produce.
“Instead, he said, some buyers were allegedly sourcing cocoa from smugglers along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire border.”
The revelations catalyzed swift investigative action, culminating in the arrest of the suspected kingpins of the smuggling ring.
“Investigations led to the arrest of suspects… and they are currently assisting police investigations,” Akwaboa said, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted.
He disclosed that security architecture across notorious smuggling corridors in the region has been fortified, with tactical units deployed to strangle the lifelines of illicit syndicates preying on Ghana’s cocoa economy.
Reaffirming government’s uncompromising stance, the Regional Minister underscored the imperative of preserving the sanctity of Ghana’s cocoa sector the nation’s economic mainstay and heritage crop.
He stated that security operations have been intensified across known smuggling hotspots in the region to clamp down on illegal activities.
Akwaboa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
In a pointed admonition, the Minister cautioned against the corrosive politicization of cocoa procurement, warning that such machinations jeopardize national economic interests and imperil farmer welfare.
He also urged the public to avoid politicising cocoa purchasing, warning that such actions undermine national interest.
The suspects remain in custody as prosecutors prepare to press charges. The seized cocoa has been secured by COCOBOD pending further forensic and evidentiary processes.