- A coordinated effort by security forces led to the arrest of 12 individuals
- Despite attempts to bribe officials, authorities apprehended the suspects
- The arrest exposes the ongoing issue of cocoa smuggling in the region
In a coordinated effort involving authorities from the Ministry of National Security, the Formed Police Unit, and the Ghana Cocoa Board, twelve individuals have been apprehended in Kwahu South for their involvement in an alleged cocoa smuggling syndicate.
The arrest came following intelligence that the group was attempting to transport 400 bags of cocoa beans out of the region.
The suspects, including drivers, mates, boat operators, and loading boys, were intercepted while trying to offload the cocoa beans from two trucks destined for Togo.
Despite attempts to bribe personnel of the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce, the security forces remained steadfast, resulting in the arrest of the individuals.
Emmanuel Atta Ofori Snr., Chairman of the Kwahu South Municipal Security Council, emphasized the importance of swift legal proceedings to ensure that those found guilty face appropriate sanctions for causing financial loss to the state.
This recent arrest marks the third incident in less than two months in the Kwahu South Municipality, highlighting the persistent challenge of cocoa smuggling in the region.
Ofori urged both fellow municipal leaders and security services to prioritize the fight against cocoa smuggling, calling on the judiciary to expedite legal action as a deterrent to others involved in similar illicit activities.
