Immigration Service Intercepts Truck Smuggling Cocoa Beans to Togo
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Customs Division – has intercepted a truck smuggling cocoa beans at the Ave-Havi border post near Akanu.
Acting on intelligence, officers at the Akanu Sector Command successfully intercepted the vehicle, a truck with registration number AS 2103-W, driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 1,115 gallons stuffed with cocoa beans, allegedly being transported illegally to Togo.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by Michael Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration in charge of Public Relations.
According to the GIS, the smuggled cocoa beans have been handed over to COCOBOD officials, while the truck has been impounded. The driver is currently assisting in further investigations.
Warning to Smugglers
Meanwhile, the Ghana Immigration Service has issued a strong caution to smugglers, warning that such illegal activities undermine Ghana’s economy and result in significant revenue losses for the government.
“The Ghana Immigration Service is hereby issuing a caution to all would-be smugglers to desist from such activity since it negatively affects Ghana’s economy and also results in loss of revenue to the Government,” the statement read.
The Service commended border communities for their cooperation and support in protecting Ghana’s borders, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-sharing in curbing cross-border smuggling activities.
The interception highlights Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat cocoa smuggling, a persistent challenge affecting the nation’s cocoa sector and foreign exchange earnings.
