Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) stationed at the Gagbiri Inland Checkpoint in the Tempane District have intercepted two drums of cocoa beans being illegally transported to Togo. Acting on intelligence, the officers stopped a tricycle carrying the smuggled goods along an unapproved route in Wurianaga. The owner, upon spotting the officers, fled the scene.
A statement from ACP M. Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs at GIS, confirmed that investigations are underway to track down the suspect.
This incident marks the second interception in just two weeks. Previously, GIS officers at the Akanu Sector Command, working with Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, seized a truck loaded with cocoa beans packed in 1,115 gallons, attempting to cross the border at Ave-Havi. The truck, registered AS 2103-W, was confiscated, and the driver, Ibrahim Fatawu, is assisting with investigations.
GIS has warned smugglers to desist from such activities, emphasizing the economic damage and revenue loss caused by cocoa smuggling. In response, Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, has directed all border commanders to tighten security along illegal routes and engage local communities on the risks associated with smuggling.
