Omanghana
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has interdicted four Customs officers over their alleged involvement in the fraudulent diversion of 18 transit cargo trucks into the Ghanaian market.
The announcement was made by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong during a press briefing on July 7, 2026, where he disclosed that the officers who processed the consignment have been removed from active duty and are currently facing internal disciplinary proceedings.
The development follows months of investigations into what authorities describe as a sophisticated scheme to evade import duties and taxes.
Joint Operation Intercepts 18 Trucks
The case stems from a joint intelligence-led operation carried out in February 2026 by GRA’s Customs Division and National Security.
During the overnight operation, officers intercepted 18 articulated trucks at the Kpone Barrier along the Dawhenya–Tema road after the vehicles were flagged as suspicious.
The interception marked the beginning of an extensive investigation into the origin and intended destination of the cargo.
Thousands of Food Products Seized
Authorities revealed that the trucks were carrying 44,055 packages of assorted food products.
The shipment included large quantities of cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti, representing goods valued at several million cedis.
According to investigators, the cargo had been fraudulently documented to avoid paying the import duties and taxes required under Ghana’s customs laws.
False Transit Declaration Uncovered
Investigations established that the shipment had been falsely declared as transit cargo originating from Togo and destined for Niger through the Akanu border post.
However, further inquiries revealed that the goods had actually originated from Malaysia and Indonesia and were originally intended for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Authorities say the cargo was instead being secretly diverted into the Ghanaian market, allowing those involved to evade customs duties and other statutory taxes.
The GRA described the operation as a deliberate attempt to defraud the state of significant revenue.
Customs Officers Face Disciplinary Action
Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed that four Customs officers responsible for processing the shipment have been interdicted pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
The officers have been removed from active duty while the GRA continues its internal investigations into their alleged roles in facilitating the fraudulent transaction.
The authority emphasized its commitment to holding any personnel found culpable accountable, regardless of rank or position.
Confiscated Food to Support School Feeding Program
Following the seizure, the entire shipment of 44,055 food packages has been confiscated by the state.
Acting on directives from the Ministry of Finance, the GRA announced that the seized food items will be distributed to the National School Feeding Program to support meals provided to schoolchildren across the country.
The move is intended to ensure the confiscated goods are put to public use while legal processes continue.
Further Investigations Target Clearing Agents
Beyond the disciplinary action against the Customs officers, the GRA says investigations are continuing into the activities of the clearing agents linked to the shipment.
Authorities are seeking to recover all unpaid import duties and taxes associated with the consignment while pursuing any criminal charges that may arise from the investigation.
The Commissioner-General noted that those found responsible for facilitating the illegal diversion would face the full force of the law.
Crackdown on Revenue Leakages
The latest action forms part of a broader campaign by the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to strengthen customs enforcement, combat corruption at the country’s borders, and safeguard public revenue.
The GRA has reiterated its commitment to tightening oversight of transit cargo, improving compliance within the Customs Division, and implementing stricter measures to prevent similar schemes that undermine Ghana’s revenue collection system.
Source: Omanghana
