A joint security operation carried out between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. has led to the interception of 12 articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a major Customs breach.
The operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner (Operations) with support from the Chief Revenue Officer, Preventive (Tema Collection), the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce of National Security, and enforcement officers from both the Tema Collection and Customs Headquarters.
The 12 trucks are believed to be part of a consignment of 18 articulated trucks that were electronically gated out of the Customs system as transit goods.
The cargo was declared as goods in transit from Akanu, destined for Niger through Kulungugu. However, the trucks were intercepted while moving without the mandatory Customs human escort — a serious violation of established transit procedures.
The trucks were loaded with 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Authorities estimate the tax value involved at over GH¢85 million.
Eleven of the intercepted trucks have been moved to the GPHA Transit Terminal and are under strict Customs supervision, with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and its cargo is being transferred to another vehicle to secure the goods.
Preliminary checks confirm that all 18 trucks were electronically gated out of the system, but only 12 have been physically secured. Investigations are ongoing to identify and track the six outstanding trucks.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, commended the team for the successful operation and disclosed that investigations are underway to locate the remaining trucks.
“I’ve asked the Commissioner-General to conclude investigations within one week. We are tracking the two Customs officers who were involved,” he stated.
Mr Ampem stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting the significant potential revenue loss.
“We take these matters seriously because the impact on our revenue is substantial,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, cautioned businesses and traders to comply strictly with Customs regulations.
He warned that authorities would not hesitate to enforce the full rigours of the law against offenders.
“We will apply the law of confiscation. The full arms of the law will be applied,” he said, adding that the GRA will crack down on any business or individual found culpable of actions that deprive the state of much-needed revenue.
