Police service engage COCOBOD, buying companies to assess security challenges

The Ghana Police Service on Thursday, October 7, 2021, held talks with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Licenced Buying Companies Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) to assess their security challenges.

Over the years, the cocoa purchasing season in Ghana has been characterized by heightened crime in cocoa-growing communities, leading to loss of money and in some cases, physical injury to some persons.

Under Acting Inspector General of Police (Ag. IGP) Dr. George Akufo Dampare, the security agency has decided to clamp down on those challenges.

It is in line with that goal that the Ghana Police Service yesterday engaged COCOBOD and the Lincenced Buying Companies Association.

“The purpose of the maiden meeting was to interact with stakeholders to assess their security challenges during the cocoa season to reduce the associated security threats and risks,” a communique on the Facebook of the Police said after the meeting.

In addition to the big meeting, all Regional Police Commanders in cocoa-growing areas have started engagements with cocoa farmers, buyers, and members of local communities to guarantee total security before, during, and after the purchasing season.

Meanwhile, the Police Administration has warned all criminally-minded persons and criminal syndicates who are hoping to exploit the purchasing season that they will be dealt with decisively.