In a separate case involving an attempted smuggling of cocoa beans into neighboring Togo, the Odumase Krobo Circuit Court sentenced a driver and a teacher to prison and a fine.
The conviction marks another success in cracking down on a syndicate involved in the smuggling of Ghanaian cocoa to neighboring countries.
The suspects were alerted to the anti-cocoa smuggling task force last week during a routine operation near Mamewater in the eastern region, where they were attempting to transport smuggled beans to a neighboring country.
The first defendant, driver Abraham Benning Donkor, 38, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at hard labor for purchasing cocoa beans without a license in violation of Section 4(1) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act. was sentenced.
He was sentenced to 250 penalty units for two counts of attempting to export cocoa beans that had not been inspected, graded and sealed by a cocoa inspector, contrary to section 3 of the Cocoa Industry Regulation Act 1968 (NLCD 278). An additional fine of (GH₵3,000.00) was imposed. .
George Ametekpor, a teacher, was also found guilty of two counts: attempting to export cocoa beans that had not been inspected, graded and sealed by a cocoa inspector, and attempting to smuggle cocoa beans for export. , was sentenced to a fine of 3,000 green cents. Contrary to section 317(g) of Article 29/60 of the Criminal Offenses Act.
The convicts pleaded guilty to all charges and were sentenced on their own pleas by a court presided over by His Royal Highness Kwesi Abaidu Apiate.
According to the facts of the case, the Special Anti-Smuggling Committee on Thursday, May 9, 2024, intercepted Abraham’s car carrying five bags of cocoa at Mame Water, just after crossing Admi Bridge.
On interrogation, the convict admitted ownership and revealed that he was heading to Ginijini in Oti region with the goods from Agbogbroshie Yam market.
On Friday, May 10, 2024, the team recaptured another vehicle carrying four bags of cocoa at the same location around 3:15 a.m.
When questioned, George Ametekpol admitted ownership, but said he had been contracted by someone to transport the cocoa beans from Kupon to someone in Juapon.
But when the alleged owner was called, he promised to follow up but never showed up.
George was then tried in court, pled guilty and was sentenced accordingly.
The court also ordered that the cocoa beans be confiscated and handed over to the Ghana Cocoa Board authorities.
Source: dailyguidenetwork.com
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