GRA Intercepts 18 Transit Trucks in Suspected Diversion Scheme; Revenue Exposure Hits GH¢85m

GRA Intercepts 18 Transit Trucks in Suspected Diversion Scheme; Revenue Exposure Hits GH¢85m

The Minister of Finance and Acting Defence Minister, Casiel Ato Forson, has announced a major crackdown on what authorities describe as a suspected transit diversion scheme involving eighteen articulated trucks initially declared as goods in transit to Niger.

Speaking after visiting the Akanu and Aflao border posts, the Minister disclosed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Division, intercepted the trucks on Wednesday night following intelligence-led operations and field surveillance.

According to the Minister, the trucks had been declared as goods in transit to Niger under Bill of Entry Number 80226125039 and were released from the Akanu Border Post for movement along the Eastern Corridor, with exit designated at Kulungugu.

However, investigations revealed that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required under Ghana’s transit protocols — a breach that raised immediate red flags.

The declared cargo comprised 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms.

Out of the eighteen trucks intercepted, twelve have been impounded. Eleven are currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection, investigation, and further legal processing.

One truck overturned while allegedly attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo. The remaining six trucks are actively being pursued by authorities.

Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GH¢2,619,748.81. However, post-interception examinations uncovered significant discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights.

Authorities say these irregularities substantially understated the tax liability.

Following reassessment, the revised suspended revenue exposure has surged to GH¢85,306,578.33 — a dramatic increase that underscores the potential scale of the alleged scheme.

Preliminary findings, the Minister revealed, point to systemic control weaknesses and possible human complicity within the customs system.

He has directed the GRA to undertake comprehensive investigations without delay. Any Customs officer found culpable will face prompt disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

Criminal investigations will also extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution, with the Minister stressing that “the full rigours of the law will be applied.”

The impounded goods, he added, will be auctioned strictly in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

In response to what government describes as abuse of the transit regime, the Minister has directed the GRA to implement immediate measures:

All land transit of cooking oil has been prohibited. Such consignments must now be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.

All transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking, and strict compliance enforcement.

Immediate commencement of disciplinary action and legal prosecution of Customs officers found culpable in similar circumstances.

The Minister emphasized that government remains resolute in safeguarding local industry, protecting jobs, and strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation.

“We will not allow Ghana’s customs regime to be exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development,” he stated.

With Ghana facing growing fiscal pressures and heightened revenue targets, authorities say the crackdown signals a tougher enforcement posture aimed at plugging leakages and restoring integrity within the customs transit system.

“Every cedi matters,” the Minister stressed, framing the operation as part of broader efforts to secure resources needed to fund national priorities.