4 arraigned over illegal transportation of cocoa beans from Tepa to Accra

Court Proceedings

Four individuals appeared in the Dansoman Circuit Court. They are accused of conspiring to transport cocoa beans illegally. This was from Tepa in the Ashanti Region to Accra. They did not have authorization from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

The accused are Kofi Boateng and Seth Kwabena Baffour, both drivers. Their driver’s mates are Joseph Yakubu and Amponsah Paul. They face two charges: conspiracy to commit a crime and transporting cocoa beans without authority. These charges violate Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, and Section 15 of the Cocoa Industry Regulation Act, 1968.

Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder leads the prosecution. The accused were arrested on May 30, 2025, at Dome Market in Accra. This followed a tip-off from Patrick Ocansey, a Principal Service Officer with COCOBOD.

Two cargo trucks were found parked at the market. Their registration numbers are GN 8967-17 and AS 4066-21. One truck had 159 bags of cocoa beans; the other had 198 bags.

Investigations showed that they concealed cocoa with plantains to avoid detection. Upon arrival at Dome Market, they offloaded the plantains, revealing their illegal cargo. The accused claimed the goods belonged to someone named “Kwame.” However, they could not help police locate this person.

All four pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit presided over the case. She granted bail under strict conditions.

Kofi Boateng (A1) received bail of GH¢500,000 with three sureties. Two sureties must be public servants earning at least GH¢2,000 monthly; one must provide justification.

Seth Kwabena Baffour (A2) received a higher bail amount of GH¢650,000 under similar conditions. Joseph Yakubu (A3) and Amponsah Paul (A4), both driver’s mates, were each granted bail of GH¢100,000 with three sureties as well.

The court ordered all accused to deposit their Ghana Cards and report to police every two weeks. The case docket will go to the Attorney General’s Office for further advice due to its complexity.

The case has been adjourned until July 23, 2025.