The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted 12 articulated trucks carrying 44,055 packages of undeclared edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti during a major overnight enforcement operation along the Dawhenya–Tema road.
The special exercise, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations.
It was supported by 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.
Customs officials disclosed that the trucks formed part of a group of 18 vehicles that had been electronically gated out of the system and declared as transit goods from Akanu, with Niger listed as the final destination through Kulungugu.
However, the vehicles were allegedly travelling without the mandatory Customs human escort, a serious violation of established transit procedures.
The consignments are estimated to represent potential lost revenue of GH¢85.3 million, with an initial assessment pegged at GH¢2.62 million.
Out of the 12 trucks intercepted, 11 have been transported to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Transit Terminal and placed under strict Customs supervision, with logistical assistance from the Authority.
One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and arrangements are underway to transfer its cargo to another vehicle to secure the goods.
Preliminary investigations indicate that although all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, only 12 have so far been physically intercepted.
Customs officials say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining six trucks and to determine whether there was any collusion or breach of procedure.
The GRA Customs Division reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding state revenue, protecting the integrity of Ghana’s transit regime, and dealing decisively with attempts to undermine revenue mobilisation efforts.
