
The Ghana Police Service has denied allegations of facilitating the smuggling of goods intercepted at the Missiga security checkpoint in Bawku, Upper East Region. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, led to tensions among personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Police.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Police clarified their role in the matter, stating, “On October 9, 2024, the Police intercepted a smuggled consignment based on intelligence and were in the process of escorting the truck to the Bawku Divisional Police Command for the consignment to be handed over to COCOBOD. The culprits were to be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with established protocols.”
The Police further highlighted that this was not the first time they had intercepted smuggled cocoa beans in the region. “For the record, the Police have recently intercepted smuggled cocoa beans on two occasions within the region. The consignments were handed over to COCOBOD, and the suspects are being prosecuted by the Police. Therefore, it is untrue that the Police were facilitating the smuggling, as claimed.”
Following the incident, the leadership of the three security agencies took swift action to resolve the misunderstanding at the national level, ensuring continued cooperation. Additionally, the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Regional Minister, is holding meetings with the personnel involved to support the efforts made at the national level.
This response from the Police aims to maintain harmony and restore effective collaboration between the security agencies in the region.