Six(6) Trucks Loaded With Bags Of Fertilizers Impounded In Central Region

In a significant crackdown on fertilizer smuggling, the Mankesim Police Command in the Central Region has seized six trucks loaded with thousands of bags of government-subsidized fertilizers.

The operation stems from a tip-off and the proactive efforts of the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Richard Kofi Asiedu, along with other party executives in the area, which culminated in the successful seizure of the trucks.

Professor Asiedu disclosed that he had been alerted to a suspicious vehicle transporting fertilizers from Accra to Cape Coast. Acting on this information, he monitored the truck’s movement. Upon reaching the Apam junction on the Mankesim-Cape Coast route, he alerted the NDC constituency organizer and communication officer in Mfantseman. With their cooperation, the truck was successfully impounded with assistance from the Mankesim police.

This operation led to the capture of five additional trucks, similarly loaded, at about 11 pm on December 30, 2024.

When questioned, the truck drivers claimed to be delivering the fertilizers to the Cape Coast Agricultural Office from Accra. However, their lack of supporting invoices raised doubts about the legitimacy of the delivery, suggesting possible theft.

The individuals operating the trucks were detained at Mankesim and transferred to the Mankesim Divisional Police Command in Jedu for further questioning. The police have taken custody of the fertilizers pending further investigation.

This development marks progress in the fight against fertilizer smuggling, a major issue in Ghana. In 2018, the country suffered a loss of approximately $12 million due to the illicit flow of government-subsidized fertilizers intended for Ghanaian farmers being trafficked to neighboring nations.

The recent truck seizures underscore the authorities’ commitment to tackling this problem.

Continued vigilance and enforcement against such illegal activities are imperative to ensure that the subsidized fertilizers reach the Ghanaian farmers who genuinely need them, thus supporting the nation’s agricultural sector.

Mr. John Bambir,Mfantseman Constituency Communication Officer (NDC) 0544970076.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.