The cocoa purchasing season in Ghana has often been characterized by heightened crime in cocoa-growing communities, leading to loss of money and in some cases, physical injury to some persons.
In line with the Proactive Prevention Policing Strategy of the Ghana Police Service, on Thursday, October 7, 21, the Police Administration hosted a meeting with officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and some Cocoa Purchasing Companies at the Police Headquarters.
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.
Present at the meeting was the Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, some members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), The Deputy Chief Executive Officer Operations/COCOBOD Dr. Emmanuel Opoku, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer Finance and Administration/COCOBOD, Mr Ray Ankrah and some representatives of LICOBAG led by their president, Mr. Samuel Adimado.
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.
The Police Administration wishes to send a strong signal to all criminally-minded persons and criminal syndicates who are hoping to exploit the purchasing season that they will be dealt with decisively.