In recent developments, the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court has handed down convictions in two separate incidents involving the attempted smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo. The individuals involved, a driver named Abraham Benning Donkor and a teacher named George Ametekpor, have been found guilty of unauthorized purchasing, attempting to export, and attempting to smuggle cocoa beans.
Abraham Benning Donkor, aged 38, was sentenced to five years of imprisonment with hard labor for unauthorized purchasing of cocoa beans, as well as being fined 250 penalty units for attempting to export cocoa beans which had not been inspected, graded, and sealed by an Inspector of Cocoa. Additionally, he faced charges for attempting to smuggle and export cocoa beans, leading to his conviction under Section 317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.
Similarly, George Ametekpor, a teacher, was found guilty on two counts and sentenced to a fine of 250 penalty units, equivalent to GH ₵ 3,000.00. His charges included attempting to export cocoa beans which had not been inspected, graded, and sealed by an Inspector of Cocoa, as well as attempting to smuggle and export cocoa beans under Section 317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.
Both individuals were apprehended by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce during routine operations around ‘Mame Water’ in the Eastern Region while attempting to transport the smuggled cocoa beans to Togo. Subsequently, they pleaded guilty to all charges and were convicted on their own pleas by His Honour Kwesi Abaiddu Apiate, who presided over the court.
The court proceedings revealed that Abraham Benning Donkor was intercepted with five bags of cocoa at Mame Water, just after crossing the Adomi Bridge. He admitted ownership of the goods and disclosed that he had loaded them from Agbogbloshie Yam Market, intending to transport them to Dzinidzini in the Oti Region. On the following day, George Ametekpor was also intercepted at the same location with four bags of cocoa beans. He confessed to ownership but claimed to have been contracted by someone to transport the goods from Kpong to Juapong. However, the alleged owner failed to appear despite promising to follow up.
Consequently, both individuals were sentenced accordingly, and the court ordered the confiscation of the cocoa beans, which are to be handed over to the authorities at the Ghana Cocoa Board.
These convictions underscore the seriousness with which smuggling and unauthorized trading of cocoa beans are viewed in Ghana. The country's cocoa industry regulations are in place to uphold standards and ensure the integrity of cocoa exports. The swift and decisive actions taken by the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court serve as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with such illicit activities.
It is hoped that these convictions will act as a deterrent against future attempts to undermine the regulations governing the cocoa industry, thereby safeguarding the interests of legitimate stakeholders and upholding the reputation of Ghana's cocoa sector on the global stage.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
