The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted 12 articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme, placing an estimated GH¢85 million in potential tax revenue at stake.
Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance, commended the enforcement team for what he described as a decisive operation to safeguard state revenue.
The late-night operation, conducted between 2200 hours and 0500 hours along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, was led by the Deputy Commissioner, Operations. The team included the Chief Revenue Officer, Preventive (Tema Collection), members of the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce and enforcement officers from both the Tema Collection and Customs Headquarters.
According to officials, the 12 trucks formed part of a larger consignment of 18 articulated vehicles that had been electronically gated out of the Customs system as goods in transit.
The cargo had been declared as transit goods from Akanu, with Niger listed as the final destination through Kulungugu. However, the trucks were intercepted while moving without the mandatory Customs human escort, contrary to Ghana’s transit regulations.
The vehicles were loaded with 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste and spaghetti. Authorities estimate that the tax component on the consignment exceeds GH¢85 million, raising concerns about attempted revenue diversion.
Eleven of the intercepted trucks have been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under strict Customs supervision, with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
One of the trucks developed a mechanical fault during the operation. Arrangements are underway to transfer its cargo onto another vehicle to ensure the goods remain under Customs control.
Preliminary investigations indicate that all 18 trucks were electronically cleared as transit goods. However, only 12 have so far been physically accounted for. Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining six trucks.
Mr Ampem said the swift action underscored government’s commitment to clamp down on transit diversion and plug revenue leakages.
“Investigation is ongoing to identify the six outstanding trucks,” he stated.
He further disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner-General of the GRA to conclude investigations within one week, adding that two Customs officers connected to the consignment were being tracked as part of the probe.
The Deputy Minister described the potential revenue loss as significant, stressing that government would treat the matter with urgency.
“We take these things seriously because the impact on our revenue is serious,” he said.
Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, cautioned businesses and traders to strictly adhere to Customs procedures.
He warned that the Authority would not hesitate to enforce the full provisions of the law, including confiscation of goods where necessary.
“We will apply the law of confiscation. The full arms of the law will be applied,” he said.
Mr Sarpong reiterated that the GRA would take firm action against any individual or company found culpable of activities that deprive the state of much-needed revenue.
