The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has praised the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for intercepting 12 articulated trucks in an enforcement operation along the Dawhenya–Tema Road. The operation was conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., led by the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, with assistance from officials of the Tema Collection, National Security’s Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce, and officers from Customs Headquarters.
Authorities believe these 12 trucks are part of a group of 18 that had been electronically gated out as transit goods. The trucks were declared as carrying goods in transit from Akanu to Niger via Kulungugu but were intercepted without the required Customs human escort. This is a breach of Ghana’s transit procedures.
The intercepted vehicles contained over 44,000 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Officials estimate that more than GH¢85 million in taxes could have been lost if the trucks had not been stopped.
Currently, eleven trucks are secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under strict supervision by Customs officers and with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck suffered a mechanical fault during interception; its contents are being transferred to another vehicle to protect the goods.
Preliminary checks show all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, but only 12 have been found so far. Authorities continue their investigation to locate the remaining six vehicles.
Deputy Minister Ampem commended those involved in the operation: “Investigation is ongoing to identify the six outstanding trucks.” He also said he directed swift action on resolving this matter: “I have asked the Commissioner-General to conclude investigations in one week. We are tracking the two Customs officers who were involved.”
He emphasized that potential revenue loss is significant: “We take these things seriously because the impact on our revenue is serious.”
Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of GRA, advised businesses and traders to follow all customs laws and procedures strictly. He warned that any individual or business violating these rules would face legal consequences: “We will apply the law of confiscation. The full arms of the law will be applied,” he said.
He added that GRA would act against anyone responsible for actions resulting in loss of state revenue.