The Ghana Police Service has publicly addressed recent allegations concerning its involvement in smuggling cocoa at a security checkpoint in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region. These allegations surfaced following a misunderstanding on October 9, during which personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ghana Police Service were engaged in a disagreement over the interception of smuggled cocoa bags at the Missiga security checkpoint. In a press statement released by the Police’s Public Affairs Directorate on October 10, the police clarified their position and noted that their actions were strictly based on intelligence reports that directed them to intercept the cocoa consignment.
According to the police, they were in the process of escorting the intercepted cocoa truck to the Bawku Divisional Police Command for further investigation and potential prosecution at the time of the misunderstanding. The police emphasized that the intent behind their actions was to ensure the proper handling of smuggled goods and that they were not involved in facilitating the smuggling operation, contrary to the claims made. Their official statement noted that they intended to hand the consignment over to COCOBOD, the Ghana Cocoa Board, after completion of their investigatory process.
The police reassured the public and stakeholders that the individuals implicated in these smuggling activities would be thoroughly investigated and held accountable in accordance with established protocols. They noted prior instances where the police had successfully intercepted cocoa beans suspected of being smuggled, where the goods had been appropriately handed over to COCOBOD, and the suspects had faced prosecution. This assertion sought to dispel any notion that law enforcement agencies were complicit or lax in dealing with cocoa smuggling in the region.
The disagreement at the security checkpoint created a temporary disruption in the collaborative efforts between the Ghana Police Service, the Armed Forces, and customs officials. However, expedient action was taken by the leadership of the three agencies to rectify the misunderstanding, thus ensuring a swift restoration of cooperation among the involved parties. Leaders from each agency convened to address the issue collectively, reinforcing their commitment to work in unity in the fight against cocoa smuggling and other illegal activities.
In an effort to further solidify this cooperation, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by the Upper East Regional Minister, has arranged meetings with personnel and their leaders. These meetings aim to reinforce the importance of collaboration among the security institutions and to discuss strategies to prevent further incidents and misunderstandings in the future. The proactive steps taken by the leadership of the security agencies signify a commitment to maintaining integrity and operational synergy in the region.
Overall, the response from the Ghana Police Service indicates a firm stance against allegations of complicity in illegal activities. By publicly refuting the claims and outlining their transparent processes for addressing cocoa smuggling, the police aim to maintain public trust and confidence in their role as protectors of law and order. The clarification emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges and highlights ongoing efforts to improve collaboration to prevent any future misunderstandings that may arise among the various security bodies operating in Ghana.
