Elmina: Two Arrested in Attempted Smuggling of 250 Cocoa Bags

By Top Knowledge Media
Published: June 12, 2025

Elmina, Central Region – The Anti‑Cocoa Smuggling Task Force, working in collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), police, BNI, and other security agencies, has arrested two individuals for attempting to smuggle a large consignment of cocoa beans out of Elmina.

???? The Incident

The arrests occurred during a routine operation in the Elmina area, following credible intelligence on illegal movement of cocoa beans across the Central Region border. The suspects—identified as a driver and a teacher—were apprehended transporting approximately 250 bags of uninspected, ungraded, and unsealed cocoa under disguised packaging. 

⚖️ Legal Framework and Charges

• Under Section 317 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Section 3 of the Cocoa Industry Regulations Act, 1968 (NLCD 278), Ghanaian law prohibits exporting cocoa without official inspection and sealing.

• Guilty pleas were entered by both individuals.

As a result:

• The driver, Abraham Benning Donkor (38), was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour, plus a fine of 250 penalty units (equivalent to GH₵3,000

• The teacher, George Ametekpor, received a GH₵3,000 fine after being found guilty on multiple counts

???? Economic Impact and Response

Cocoa is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, and the smuggling of beans, particularly to neighboring countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso, significantly undermines national revenues. COCOBOD and security agencies have identified these smuggling operations as a major threat to the cedi’s stability and the well-being of cocoa farmers. 

In recent years, COCOBOD’s National Anti‑Smuggling Task Force has conducted multiple high‑profile interceptions—seizing over 1,473 maxi bags and an estimated 2,500 standard cocoa bags in January 2025, among others—prompting calls for tougher penalties and broader public vigilance. 

????️ A Call to Action

COCOBOD regional administrator Michael P.K. Asumanu has urged judicial authorities to enforce harsher sanctions, including vehicle confiscation, to act as a deterrent. Security officials emphasise that public cooperation is crucial, and citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities through "see something, say something" channels. 

???? Looking Forward

• The recent convictions reinforce Ghana’s legal standing—with penalties ranging from heavy fines to multiple years of imprisonment and compulsory hard labour.

• Continued enforcement and stricter judicial action may disrupt smuggling syndicates and protect the national cocoa economy.