The Ghana Police Service has dispelled claims suggesting that a group of cops were facilitating cocoa smuggling at the Missiga Immigration Service checkpoint in Bawku.
Contrary to the allegations, the police said their officers were there to enforce the law.
The clarification comes after a misunderstanding erupted between personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Police Service at the Missiga security checkpoint.
The situation escalated into a gun battle on October 9, 2024, prompting intervention from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Initial reports suggested police were hindering customs officials from inspecting a Togo-bound truck suspected of carrying smuggled cocoa beans.
According to a Facebook post by the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Police Service intercepted the smuggled consignment based on intelligence and was in the process of escorting the truck to the Bawku Divisional Police Command.
The consignment was to be handed over to COCOBOD, and the culprits investigated and prosecuted by the police, following established protocol.
According to the police, this isn’t the first time the police have intercepted smuggled cocoa beans in the region.
In fact, they’ve done so twice recently, with the intercepted consignments handed over to COCOBOD and the suspects currently facing prosecution.
To maintain harmony and cooperation among the agencies involved, the leadership of the three state security institutions promptly intervened at the national level.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Upper East Regional Minister, is also meeting with personnel and leaders to complement national efforts.