In a major operation, the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has intercepted three trucks attempting to smuggle 1,473 maxi bags of cocoa beans out of the country.
The operation highlights the escalating issue of cocoa smuggling, which threatens Ghana’s cocoa industry and economy.
Details of the Operation
Acting on a tip-off, the task force intercepted the trucks with registration numbers AS 5278-23, GR 7247-21, and GR 314-24 at Dormaa Ahenkro and Nkrankwanta in the Bono Region.
The trucks, believed to be en route to Togo or Burkina Faso, were cleverly concealed with lumber and camphor to mask the natural smell of the cocoa beans.
Michael P. K. Asumanu, COCOBOD’s Bono Regional Administrator, disclosed that surveillance was carried out for three days before the interception.
“When we offloaded the cocoa, we found that it was packed in maxi bags weighing over 80 kg instead of the standard 64 kg sacks. Repackaging these would yield over 2,000 bags, representing a significant financial loss to the country,” he explained.
Evasive Tactics by Suspects
The smugglers went to great lengths to evade detection.
Bags of cocoa were hidden in the middle of the trucks and covered with lumber, while camphor was sprinkled over the beans to disguise their scent.
Despite these tactics, the task force successfully seized the trucks and the cocoa beans, with the items currently under police custody for further investigation.
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Two drivers managed to escape under the pretext of going to a mosque to pray, while one driver and two assistants were apprehended but later granted police enquiry bail.
Alarming Trend
Mr. Asumanu expressed concern about the rising trend of cocoa smuggling, calling it a serious threat to Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“Cocoa is the backbone of our economy. This act not only destroys the industry but also affects the livelihoods of our farmers and the country’s revenue,” he said.
He further highlighted the additional challenges faced by the cocoa sector, including illegal mining (galamsey), aging cocoa trees, and diseases affecting cocoa farms.
Calls for Stricter Penalties
Mr. Asumanu called for a review of penalties for cocoa smuggling, arguing that the current five-year minimum sentence is insufficient.
“We need stricter sentencing to deter individuals from engaging in this act,” he emphasized.
Public Vigilance
The COCOBOD administrator urged the public to report suspicious activities, stating, “If you see something, say something.
Smuggling cocoa impacts us all, and we must work together to protect this vital industry.”
The intercepted cocoa beans and trucks remain at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters as investigations continue.
