Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Akanu Sector Command, in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, have intercepted a truck attempting to smuggle cocoa beans into Togo.
Acting on intelligence, the officers intercepted the truck, with registration number AS 2103-W, at the Ave-Havi border post.
The truck, driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu, was found to contain 1,115 gallons stuffed with cocoa beans, concealed in an attempt to evade detection.
A press release issued and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, Michael Amoako-Atta, on Sunday in Accra, confirmed the interception.
According to the statement, the smuggled cocoa beans have been handed over to officials of COCOBOD for further action, while the truck has been impounded.
The driver is currently assisting authorities with investigations. The release further emphasized that such smuggling activities significantly harm Ghana’s economy and result in revenue loss to the government.
The GIS has issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in smuggling activities, urging them to desist from such acts.
“The Ghana Immigration Service is hereby issuing a caution to all would-be smugglers to desist from such activity since it negatively affects Ghana’s economy and also leads to loss of revenue to the Government,” the statement read.
The Service also commended members of the border community for their vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and assured the public of continued efforts to curb illegal activities along the nation’s frontiers.