Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to undertake comprehensive investigations following the interception of eighteen articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme.
On Wednesday night, the Customs Division of the GRA intercepted the trucks, which had been declared as goods in transit to Niger. Intelligence and surveillance revealed that the vehicles were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required under transit protocols. The trucks had been released from the Akanu Border Post for transit through the Eastern Corridor, with exit designated at Kulungugu under Bill of Entry Number 80226125039.
The declared cargo comprised 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms. So far, twelve of the trucks have been impounded—eleven secured at the Tema Transit Yard for inspection and one overturned while attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo. The remaining six are being pursued.
Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GHS 2.6 million. However, post-interception examinations revealed discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, significantly understating the tax liability. The revised suspended revenue exposure now stands at GHS 85.3 million.
Mr. Forson said preliminary findings point to systemic control weaknesses and possible human complicity. He warned that any Customs officer found culpable will face disciplinary action, while importers and clearing agents implicated will be prosecuted. “The full rigours of the law will be applied,” he stressed.
The Minister announced that the impounded goods will be auctioned in accordance with the law and outlined immediate measures to safeguard state revenue. These include:
- Prohibition of all land transit of cooking oil, which must now be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.
- Enhanced monitoring, tracking, and compliance enforcement for transactions originating from land collection points.
- Prompt disciplinary and legal action against Customs officers found culpable in similar schemes.
Mr. Forson emphasized government’s resolve to protect local industry and jobs. “We will not allow Ghana’s customs regime to be exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development. Every cedi matters in our collective effort to fund national priorities,” he said.
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