Personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have intercepted 25 bags of cocoa beans being smuggled into Togo through the Kauk-Jago border in the Bunkpurugu enclave in the North East Region.
The bags of cocoa beans are believed to have been transported from southern Ghana to the north on a transit outside of Ghana, as part of a syndicate that smuggles cocoa beans outside of Ghana to neighbouring countries.
Acting upon a tip-off, the personnel laid an ambush on the suspects along the border and confiscated the goods.
Although the suspects managed to flee the scene, the officers confiscated the cocoa beans, which were being illegally transported out of the country.
Confirmation
Confirming the incident to the Daily Graphic, the Bunkpurugu Sector Commander of GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Edwin Adjetey Doku, said the goods had been handed over to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) while investigations continue.
“We acted on credible intelligence about cocoa beans being smuggled from the Kauk-Jago area into Togo. My team quickly mobilised and intercepted the goods, although the drivers and two other individuals escaped,” she explained.
He reaffirmed his outfit’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s territorial borders and combating all forms of cross-border crimes.
support
ACI Doku also urged the public to support its efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
He emphasised the need for enhanced logistical support to effectively tackle the rising cases of smuggling in the area, stressing that “the Bunkpurugu Division urgently needs more resources to fight the persistent smuggling of goods across our borders”.
War
The Cocobod has waged a war against cocoa smuggling in the country and has relied on the diligence of the Immigration Service and other security officers at the country’s borders to help curb the incident, which has been on the rise.
“The GIS, in particular, has been resolute in the protection of the borders to prevent cross-border crimes.
It has improved its engagement with border residents and the general public and is continuously collaborating with the Service through information sharing.
It has also encouraged citizens, particularly border residents, to report suspicious persons and activities to the GIS and other security agencies.
Graphic.com.gh
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