A collaborative effort between immigration officers and officers of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has resulted in the interception of some one thousand, one hundred and fifteen (1115) gallons containing cocoa beans, ready to be smuggled to Togo.
According to a press release issued and signed by Michael Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration in charge of Public Relations and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the gallons stuffed with cocoa beans have been redirected to the COCOBOD, government’s institution supervising cocoa production in the country.
The truck driver, one Ibrahim Fatawu was detained at the Ave-Havi border by the officers and subjected to series of questioning. This was after the officers had received intelligence regarding the smuggling plan.
It added that the driver has been detained to assist in investigations and his truck has been impounded.
The immigration service has therefore cautioned the public to desist from the illegal activity, as it would impact the country’s economy negatively.
“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 loss of revenue to the Government,” it said.
The development underscores concerns about Ghana’s dwindling rate in production within the cocoa sector. Over the years, reports have revealed a staggering decline in productivity. Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world, but recent issues of low productivity threathen its ability to maintain or improve on its position.
Two major factors; smuggling to neighbouring countries and illegal mining, which results in the destruction of cocoa farms, according to reports, are attributable to the declining trend. If urgent sollutions are not provided, experts fear Ghana’s economy could break down further, as cocoa has been one of its strongest backbones.
Source: Dehotpress
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