The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted a truck carrying 1,115 gallons of cocoa beans at the Ave-Havi border post.
The intelligence-led operation, supported by the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, is a testament to the government’s commitment to combating illegal trade and protecting the country’s economy.
The truck, registered AS 2103-W and driven by Ibrahim Fatawu, was seized at the border post, and the driver is currently in custody, assisting with investigations.
The intercepted cocoa beans have been handed over to COCOBOD for further processing.
This seizure is not an isolated incident.
Cocoa smuggling has been a persistent problem in Ghana, with smugglers often using the country’s porous borders to transport the valuable commodity to neighboring countries like Togo.
The government has been working to strengthen border security and crack down on smuggling activities, and this latest seizure is a significant success in that effort.
The GIS has cautioned would-be smugglers to desist from such activities, warning that they undermine the economy and lead to significant revenue losses for the government.
The service has also commended the vigilance of border residents for their role in safeguarding Ghana’s borders.
Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, and the commodity is a critical component of the country’s economy.
The government’s efforts to combat smuggling and protect the cocoa industry are essential to ensuring the sector’s continued growth and development.
