A misunderstanding erupted on October 9, 2024, among personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Police Service at the Missiga security checkpoint in Bawku, Upper East Region.
The disagreement occurred after a consignment of smuggled cocoa bags was intercepted by the Police.
In an official statement, the Ghana Police Service clarified that they had acted on intelligence to intercept the smuggled consignment and were in the process of escorting the vehicle to the Bawku Divisional Police Command.
“The consignment was to be handed over to COCOBOD, while the suspects would be investigated and prosecuted in line with established protocols,” the statement read.
The Police firmly denied accusations that they were complicit in the smuggling operation. “It is untrue that the Police were in any way facilitating the smuggled consignments, as is being claimed.
In fact, we have intercepted smuggled cocoa beans on two previous occasions in the region, and the consignments were handed over to COCOBOD, with suspects currently facing prosecution,” the Police stated.
Following the incident, the leadership of the three security agencies quickly stepped in at the national level to resolve the misunderstanding and restore cooperation.
“The leadership intervened to ensure harmony among the agencies and to prevent any future recurrence of such incidents,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Regional Minister, is also meeting with the personnel and their leaders at the regional level. This, according to the Police, is intended to complement the efforts already made at the national level to ensure smooth collaboration between the security agencies.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
