In recent times, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has intensified its mechanism to crackdown the activities of cocoa smugglers.

Following previous arrest and prosecution of some cocoa smugglers, the board has secured another sentence of a driver and teacher in the Eastern region of the country.

The first accused person, Abraham Benning Donkor 38, a driver, was handed a 5 five year jail sentence in hard labour on one count of unauthorized Purchasing of Cocoa Beans contrary to Section4(1) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act and additional fine of 250 penalty units for two counts of Attempting to Export Cocoa Beans which has not been Inspected, Graded and Sealed by an Inspector of Cocoa contrary to Section 3 of Cocoa Industry Regulations Act 1968 (NLCD 278) and Attempt to Smuggle and Export Cocoa Beans contrary to Section 317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.

The second accused person, George Ametekpor a teacher, was also sentenced to a fine of 250 penalty units, amounting to GH₵3,000.00, after being found guilty on two counts of attempting to export cocoa beans which has not been inspected, graded and sealed by Inspector of Cocoa and attempt to smuggle and export cocoa beans contrary to section 317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.

The suspects were accosted by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce during routine operations last week around ‘Mame Water’ in the Eastern Region, whilst attempting to transport the smuggled cocoa beans to the neighbouring country, Togo.

The accused persons pleaded guilty to all the charges and were convicted on their own pleas by the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Kwesi Abaiddu Apiate.

According to the facts of the case, the Anti-Smuggling Taskforce on Thursday, May 9, 2024 intercepted Abraham’s vehicle at Mame Water just after crossing the Adomi Bridge with the 5 bags of cocoa.

Upon interrogation, the accused admitted ownership and revealed that he loaded the goods from Agbogbloshie Yam Market and was heading to Dzinidzini in the Oti Region.

The next day, Friday, 10, May, 2024, the team again intercepted another vehicle loaded with 4 bags of cocoa at the same location around 03:15 hours. Upon questioning, George Ametekpor, admitted ownership but said he was contracted by someone to transport the cocoa beans from Kpong to someone in Juapong.

However, when the alleged owner was reached on the phone, he promised to follow up but never showed up.

George was subsequently arraigned before the court where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced accordingly.

The court also ordered that the cocoa beans be confiscated and handed to authorities at Ghana Cocoa Board.