The Ahafo Regional National Security Coordinator, Usman Mohammed, has cautioned residents against engaging in the smuggling of cocoa from Ivory Coast into Ghana, warning that offenders will face the full rigours of the law.
Speaking to the media in Goaso, Mr Mohammed said recent operations by National Security in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service had led to the arrest of several individuals suspected of smuggling large quantities of cocoa into the region from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
According to him, the practice is a clear violation of Ghana’s laws and poses a serious threat to the country’s cocoa industry.
He stressed that National Security and other security agencies would not remain unconcerned about the situation and have therefore intensified measures to clamp down on the illegal activity.
“National Security together with other security services will not sit unconcerned about this act. Effective and intensive measures are in place to arrest any person involved in smuggling cocoa into the region from Ivory Coast,” he stated.
Mr Mohammed warned that the law would deal with offenders and urged residents to desist from engaging in the illegal trade.
He further explained that cocoa smuggling has negative consequences for both cocoa farmers and the government.
According to him, government allocates substantial resources for the purchase of cocoa during the season, and the influx of smuggled cocoa from neighbouring countries places an additional financial burden on the state.
He noted that when funds are used to purchase smuggled cocoa, there is the risk that inadequate resources may be available to buy cocoa produced by local farmers.
The National Security Coordinator therefore called on residents to support efforts to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry by reporting suspected smuggling activities and complying with the law.
He reiterated the commitment of the security agencies to safeguarding the country’s economic interests and ensuring that those involved in cocoa smuggling are brought to justice.
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