Reports indicated a surge in cocoa smuggling activities in parts of the Oti Region, particularly in Guan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North and Nkwanta South Municipality.
It also mentioned that cocoa smugglers were increasingly utilising the northern corridors in the Oti Region to transport illicit cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo.
Officials from the cocoa industry (names withheld) had expressed concerns over the illicit trade, which was suspected to be facilitated by unscrupulous individuals and networks.
They alleged that a surge in cocoa smuggling from Ghana into Togo, where marketing was unregulated were driven by attractive prices offered by the Togolese buyers was promoting the nation-wrecking activity.
The Ghana Cocoa Board officials urged the public to report cocoa smuggling activities to security agencies.
They encouraged rewards to be given to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
“We urged all Ghanaians to join the fight against cocoa smuggling, your information can help protect Ghana’s cocoa industry and economy”.
The GNA sighted some shocking twists, that the cocoa smugglers had devised a new tactic to evade arrest, using assorted drinks as concealment to commute through many Police barriers with their contraband undetected.
Reactions from some residents on the development of the cocoa smuggling incident, said it undermined Ghana’s economy and threatens the livelihoods of farmers, adding that, government must prioritise equipping the NIB to tackle these issues.
Mr Shadrach Badekebo James, a resident of Dambai, among those who were engaged by GNA appealed to the government to reward Oti Regional Command of NIB for their dedication and sacrifices to national duty.
Source – GNA
