Accra, Feb. 22, – Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, has directed an immediate ban on the land transit of cooking oil, requiring all such consignments to enter and exit Ghana exclusively through seaports.
The directive follows the interception of 18 articulated trucks suspected of participating in a transit diversion scheme at the Akanu and Aflao border posts.
On February 18, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division intercepted the trucks carrying assorted goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste, declared for transit to Niger. The consignment comprised 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms.
Investigations revealed that the trucks moved without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts. Twelve of the 18 trucks have been impounded, with 11 secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection, investigations, and further legal action. One truck overturned while attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo, while the remaining six are still being pursued.
Dr Forson stated that initial suspended duties and taxes were estimated at GH¢2,619,748.81, but post-inspection reviews revealed discrepancies in declared values, tariff classifications, and weights, revising the suspended revenue exposure to GH¢85,306,578.33.
He directed the GRA to conduct comprehensive investigations, initiate disciplinary action against culpable Customs officers, and extend criminal investigations to importers and clearing agents where warranted. Impounded goods are to be auctioned in accordance with the law.
Dr Forson emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring and strict compliance enforcement at all land collection points to safeguard state revenue, urging prompt implementation of disciplinary and legal measures against officers found culpable.
“The Government remains resolute in protecting local industry and jobs, while ensuring Ghana’s customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment