The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has commended the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for intercepting 12 articulated trucks in a major overnight enforcement operation along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, describing the action as a decisive step toward safeguarding state revenue.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., was spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations.
The team included 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 larger consignment of 18 articulated vehicles that had been electronically gated out of the Customs system as transit goods.
The cargo was declared as goods in transit from Akanu and destined for Niger through Kulungugu.
However, the trucks were intercepted while moving without the mandatory Customs human escort, in violation of Ghana’s transit regulations.
The vehicles were loaded with 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste and spaghetti.
Authorities estimate that the taxes at risk exceed GH¢85 million, underscoring the magnitude of the attempted revenue loss.
Eleven of the intercepted trucks have been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under strict Customs supervision, with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
One of the trucks developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and arrangements are underway to transfer its contents to another vehicle to ensure the safety and integrity of the goods.
Preliminary investigations indicate that although all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, only 12 have so far been physically secured.
Authorities are actively tracking the remaining six trucks as investigations continue.
Praising the enforcement team, Mr. Ampem said the swift action demonstrates government’s resolve to clamp down on transit diversion and revenue leakages.
“Investigation is ongoing to identify the six outstanding trucks,” he stated.
He further disclosed that he has directed the Commissioner-General to conclude investigations within one week.
“I have asked the Commissioner-General to conclude investigations in one week. We are tracking the two Customs officers who were involved,” he said.
Mr. Ampem stressed the seriousness of the matter, noting that the potential revenue loss would have had significant implications for the national purse.
“We take these things seriously because the impact on our revenue is serious,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, cautioned businesses and traders to comply strictly with Customs laws and procedures.
He warned that the Authority would not hesitate to apply 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 stated, adding that the GRA would crack the whip on any individual or business found culpable of actions that deny the state much-needed revenue.
