The division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) responsible for combating cocoa smuggling, known as the National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force, has successfully intercepted smuggled cocoa beans in Mpraeso, situated in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

This interception occurred following a tip-off received during routine surveillance operations within the Kwahu area. The task force, composed of National Security Personnel, promptly moved to arrest the perpetrators involved in the illicit activity.

The intercepted cocoa, totaling 130 bags, had been smuggled through Suhum to Mpraeso. The smugglers had intended to transport it further through the Afram Plains River in the Kwahu Afram Plains South, with the ultimate destination being the Volta Region and then Togo.

As of now, the suspects identified as Kwasi Edem, aged 55, and Dennis Hodo, aged 28, who were responsible for the transportation using a tipper truck, are under police custody at the Mpraeso Central Police Station. They are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

The smuggling operation was executed using a new modus operandi where the cocoa bags were concealed beneath chippings within the tipper truck. This innovative tactic was aimed at evading security checkpoints along the transportation route.

Emmanuel Atta Ofori, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwahu South, briefed the media regarding the arrest. He emphasized the significance of the operation, which has been ongoing for two years, resulting in the apprehension of numerous smugglers attempting to transport goods to Togo through Ghanaian territory.

Mr. Ofori urged his counterparts, the District and Municipal Chief Executives (DCEs and MCEs), to remain vigilant and intensify security measures. He pledged to continue the crackdown on cocoa smuggling activities in the region.

“All the barriers that the Government has deployed security men to, let’s be on the lookout. It is not only in our waters that such activities happen. But I say emphatically, that no smuggled goods will bypass our supervision here."

“So, I’m stating this, and also charging my fellow MMDCEs, whoever is positioned at an entry point should be vigilant. Security agencies should also be vigilant. Inhabitants of this town should also be vigilant; we are the ones carrying out this act," he said.