The Dansoman Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, has granted bail to a 28-year-old man, Tefle-Tetteh Oscar, who is facing charges for attempting to smuggle cocoa beans out of Ghana.
Oscar, a self-employed resident of Ada Foah, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢90,000 with three sureties, all of whom must be justified.
As part of the bail conditions, he is required to deposit his Ghana Card with the court registry and report to the police every two weeks pending the outcome of the trial.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to export cocoa beans without lawful authority, in violation of Section 317(1)(g) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the accused was apprehended on May 14, 2025, during a joint operation by officers from the National Police Intelligence Directorate and the Ghana Cocoa Board. The operation, based on intelligence, was aimed at curbing smuggling activities in Ada Foah.
The police allege that Oscar was found in possession of 28 bags of cocoa beans concealed in a house believed to be his residence. The total value of the cocoa beans is estimated at GH¢87,000.
The court has directed the prosecution to submit all disclosures and witness statements ahead of the next sitting, which is scheduled for July 14, 2025.
Efforts by the Ghana Cocoa Board and law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal cocoa smuggling have been stepped up in recent months amid concerns about the impact on the country’s cocoa industry and foreign exchange earnings.
