The Odumase Krobo Circuit, under the leadership of His Honour, Judge Kwesi Apiatse Abaiddu, has recently made a significant ruling in a case of attempted cocoa smuggling. The accused, Issifu Nyandi, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in an attempt to smuggle bags of cocoa beans from Ghana to Togo.
The arrest took place on Wednesday, April 24, when the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce intercepted a Ford Transit Bus bound for Ho, with registration number GG-2749-21. Upon thorough search, six bags of cocoa beans concealed in poly sacks were discovered. The accused confessed to owning the contraband goods, stating that he had purchased the cocoa beans in Koforidua and intended to transport them to Tudu in Accra, with the ultimate goal of selling them in Togo.
The swift action of the Taskforce led to the arrest of Issifu, who was subsequently handed over to the Akosombo Police. Following further investigations, he was charged with offenses including the purchase of cocoa without authority, attempting to smuggle cocoa beans, and attempting to export uninspected, ungraded, and unsealed cocoa beans.
In accordance with the laws of Ghana, Issifu was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to seven years in prison. This ruling serves as a strong deterrent against cocoa smuggling, as it follows two earlier convictions for similar offenses.
The diligence and determination displayed by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force, along with the Ghana Cocoa Board and other security agencies, are commendable. Their actions not only prevented an illegal act but also demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of Ghana's cocoa industry.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat cocoa smuggling in the country and sends a clear message that such illicit activities will not be tolerated. The ruling serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that await those who attempt to undermine the laws governing Ghana's cocoa trade.
-source thechronicleonline | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
