A multi-agency security team, led by the Bunkpurugu Immigration Command, has intercepted 118 bags of cocoa beans. The cocoa was found concealed beneath a load of plantains along the Bunkpurugu border road on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Two individuals, 23-year-old Ernestina Akugre and 19-year-old Mohammed Mumin, have been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt.
The operation followed intelligence from the North East Regional National Security Coordinator, Ernest Bawanin Guat. The task force, comprising personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Defence Intelligence, the National Security/Signal Bureau, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), mounted an operation. They intercepted a Hyundai truck with registration number AS-3272-25. A thorough search at the Customs office revealed the 118 bags of cocoa beans hidden under the plantains.
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of cocoa smuggling in Ghana, a country that is one of the world's largest cocoa producers. Smuggling activities deprive the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of significant revenue, impacting the government's ability to support cocoa farmers and invest in the sector. The illicit trade also distorts market prices and can lead to a decline in the quality of Ghanaian cocoa on the international market, which is known for its premium quality.
The Immigration Commander for the Bunkpurugu-Nakpaduri District, ACI Edwin Adejetey Doku, led the operation. The intercepted cocoa, estimated to weigh about 11,800 kilograms, has been taken into the custody of the Customs Division of the GRA. This seizure represents a substantial amount of cocoa, indicating the scale of some smuggling operations.
The ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb cocoa smuggling are crucial for protecting Ghana's economy. The cocoa sector contributes significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians. Continued vigilance and intelligence-led operations are essential to deter such illegal activities. Decision-makers will be watching how these arrests impact future smuggling attempts and whether they lead to broader investigations into smuggling networks.