Customs officials and police officers were involved in a shootout at the Missiga Immigration Service checkpoint in Bawku on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after a disagreement over a suspected case of cocoa smuggling.
The incident occurred when Customs officials attempted to inspect a truck bound for Togo, which they suspected was carrying smuggled cocoa beans. However, police officers at the checkpoint refused to allow the inspection, sparking a tense standoff.
According to sources, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation, with both Customs and police personnel exchanging gunfire. Military officers were later deployed to intervene and calm the situation.
Footage from the scene captures the moment a verbal altercation between the two agencies turned into a gunfight, with shots being fired, causing panic among bystanders and officials. The checkpoint quickly descended into chaos as people fled for cover amid the gunfire.
This incident has sparked concerns about the coordination between security agencies tasked with border protection, especially in light of ongoing issues with cocoa smuggling.
Tensions are rising between Ghana’s security agencies, raising concerns about the potential impact on national security and law enforcement.
In May this year, a conflict erupted aboard the MV MSC DYMPHNA involving Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) security personnel and immigration officers. The altercation, which initially took place on the vessel, escalated to the immigration office within the Authority Building at Terminal 3.
In a statement on May 15, the GPHA acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better to prevent the escalation. According to the authority, the conflict arose when immigration officers failed to declare a package, violating the Standard Operating Procedures under the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.
GPHA security officials, insisting on strict compliance with these security measures, clashed with the immigration officers. Following the incident, GPHA management met with representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Maritime Authority to resolve the issue. They reached an amicable agreement, which includes ongoing education and reorientation for all state agencies in line with evolving maritime security procedures and protocols.
