The Ghana Police Service has firmly denied allegations that it was involved in facilitating smuggling activities, following an incident at the Missiga security checkpoint in Bawku, Upper East Region, on October 9, 2024.
The situation led to a misunderstanding among personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Police Service over the interception of smuggled cocoa bags.
In a statement issued on October 10, the police clarified that the intercepted consignment of smuggled cocoa bags was seized based on intelligence.
The police were in the process of escorting the truck to the Bawku Divisional Police Command, where the consignment was to be handed over to COCOBOD, with the suspects being investigated and prosecuted in accordance with established protocols.
The police emphasized that they had recently intercepted other smuggled cocoa consignments in the region, which were handed over to COCOBOD, with the culprits currently facing prosecution.
They rejected claims that they were complicit in the smuggling operation.
The statement further noted that, following the incident, the leadership of the three involved security institutions had intervened to resolve the matter at the national level, aiming to restore cooperation and maintain harmony.
Additionally, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Upper East Regional Minister, is holding meetings with personnel and leaders at the regional level to complement the national efforts.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
