Sekondi, Oct. 27, GNA -The Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Monday said the recent increases in cocoa prices by the government, had facilitated the smuggling of poor quality cocoa into the country. Mr. Edward Barnes, Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior briefed Journalists at Sekondi after a REGSEC meeting.

The meeting formed part of a two-day working visit to the region by Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of the Interior.

Mr. Barnes said the rate of smuggling, if not checked, could adulterate Ghana's cocoa.

REGSEC therefore, cautioned Licensed Cocoa Buying Companies that it would arrest and prosecute any of them found engaging in such an act.

REGSEC noted with concern the increasing cases of chieftaincy disputes in almost all the districts in the region and had decided to use the alternative dispute resolution methods, to settle some of the cases. REGSEC cited Asankrangwa, Sefwi Boizain, Enchi, Elubo and Bonyere as being rife with chieftaincy disputes and Police re-enforcements had to be sent to protect lives, property and ensure that law and order prevails.

Mr. Barnes said REGSEC was considering the operation of petrol filling stations along the country's borders with Cote d'Ivoire.

"REGSEC noted that whereas most Ivorian drivers patronise such filling stations, it also poses a greater threat to the entire country.

He said REGSEC, commended the Regional Police Command for being able to reduce the increasing rate of armed robbery to the barest minimum but called on the personnel not to rest on their oars but rather intensify their activities.