4,000 bags of PFJ smuggled fertilizer impounded at Burkina Faso border

The Upper East Regional Minister, Madam Paulina Patience Abayage has confirmed earlier reports by MyNewsGh.com that two articulated trucks were impounded on Sunday June 10, 2019 with a total of 4,000 bags of fertilizer meant for government’s agricultural programme, planting for Food and Jobs.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, she revealed that the goods per the waybill were bound for Navrongo on the Kassena-Nankana District but was shocked when she was informed the two vehicles with registration number AS 7300 V and GT 3181 J passed the town and was heading to Burkina Faso.

According to her, the processes in delivering fertilizer by the trucks were violated giving rise to suspicion that they were being smuggled out of the country by the drivers before being impounded at the border.

These fertilizers which on the invoice were meant for a distributor in Navrongo were actually being smuggled out of the country.

“The drivers of the vehicles were detained yesterday and are expected to be granted bail to enable them bring the owners of the consignment. The trucks will remain impounded till then. Meanwhile I have already had discussions with the Minister for Agriculture and decision has been reached on what to do with the seized fertilizer. Again, the Ministry will deal with the distribution company on the waybill, including abrogating government’s contract with them, if need be. I have resolved that no one will use the Upper East Region to mess up the PFJ program of Government”, she revealed.