Finance Minister Orders Probe After GRA Intercepts 18 Trucks in Suspected Transit Diversion Scheme
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to launch immediate investigations following the interception of eighteen articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme.
Dr. Forson visited the Akanu and Aflao border posts on Saturday after Customs officials intercepted the trucks, which had been declared as goods in transit to Niger.
According to the Minister, the trucks were released from the Akanu Border Post for transit through the Eastern Corridor, with exit designated at Kulungugu under a specific Bill of Entry.
However, intelligence and field surveillance established that the vehicles were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required under transit protocols.
“As of now, twelve of the eighteen trucks have been impounded,” he said, adding that eleven have been secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection and legal processing, while one truck overturned while attempting to evade interception. The remaining six trucks are being pursued.
The declared cargo consisted of 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms. Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GHS 2.6 million, but further examinations uncovered discrepancies in unit values, tariff classifications, and weights.
“The revised suspended revenue exposure now stands at GHS 85,306,578.33,” Dr. Forson disclosed.
Describing the development as deeply troubling, the Minister noted that preliminary findings point to “systemic control weaknesses and human complicity.” He has therefore instructed the GRA to undertake comprehensive investigations without delay.
“Any Customs officer found culpable will face prompt disciplinary action in accordance with the law,” he stated, adding that criminal investigations will extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution. “The full rigours of the law will be applied.”
The impounded goods, he said, will be auctioned strictly in line with applicable laws.
