Accra, Feb. 20, – The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized 12 articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme along the Dawhenya–Tema Road.
The operation, which took place between 2200 hours and 0500 hours, targeted a convoy of 18 trucks that had been electronically cleared for transit from the Akanu border in the Volta Region to Niger through Kulungugu. The vehicles were declared as carrying transit goods but were intercepted without the mandatory Customs human escort required under Ghana’s transit regulations.
The seized trucks were found to be transporting 44,055 cartons of edible cooking oil, tomato paste and spaghetti. Authorities estimate that taxes at risk exceed GH¢85 million.
Eleven of the vehicles have been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under tight Customs supervision, with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the interception exercise, and arrangements are underway to transfer its cargo to another vehicle for safekeeping.
Preliminary findings indicate that while all 18 trucks were electronically gated out, only 12 have so far been physically impounded. Investigations are ongoing to trace the remaining six vehicles.
Commending the enforcement team, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem described the operation as a major step in safeguarding public revenue and curbing transit fraud.
He disclosed that the Commissioner-General had been directed to complete investigations within one week and confirmed that two Customs officers linked to the transaction were being tracked as part of the probe.
“This is a serious matter because of the potential impact on government revenue,” he said, stressing that authorities would not treat such offences lightly.
The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, warned businesses and freight operators to strictly adhere to Customs procedures, indicating that the law would be enforced without compromise.
“We will apply the law of confiscation. The full force of the law will be applied,” he cautioned, adding that any individual or entity found culpable would face the necessary sanctions.
GHBUSS
20 Feb. 2026
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