The Ghana Police Service has apprehended three individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring countries, including Togo and Burkina Faso, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has confirmed.
The suspects include one driver and two driver-mates of three heavy-duty trucks that were intercepted carrying 1,473 maxi bags of cocoa beans concealed under lumber.
The suspects are currently on bail and assisting with investigations, while two other drivers implicated in the crime remain at large.
The Anti-Smuggling Task Force of COCOBOD intercepted the trucks, with registration numbers GR 7237-21, GR-314-24, and AS 5278-23, at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District.
Speaking to the media in Sunyani, Michael P.K. Asumanu, the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional Administrator of COCOBOD, explained that the task force comprises officers from the police, National Investigations Bureau, National Security, and COCOBOD.
“The seized trucks have been sent to the Bono Regional Police Headquarters in Sunyani for safekeeping, while COCOBOD has taken custody of the cocoa beans as no one has claimed ownership,” Mr. Asumanu stated.
He emphasized the detrimental impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy, given cocoa’s significant contribution to Ghana’s revenue.
“Smuggling causes huge economic losses to the nation. We design rewards for informants to encourage public support in the fight against this menace,” he added.
The Acting Bono Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Emmanuel Ntiako, also confirmed the incident and added that the Commission is currently assessing the seized lumber.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the two drivers still on the run.