Government has announced a ban on the land transit of several selected products as part of measures aimed at strengthening border controls and protecting national revenue.
The directive was issued by Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson after a meeting with the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Akanor, and the management of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
According to the Finance Minister, the meeting focused on recent developments at Ghana’s borders and steps needed to safeguard government revenue.
“Earlier today, I met with the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Aaron Akanor, and the management of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to discuss the recent developments at our borders and to take decisive steps to protect Ghana’s revenue,” he stated.
Following the meeting, the minister directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to immediately implement a number of measures.
“First, I have directed a ban on the land transit of selected products. The affected goods are: cooking oil, rice, sugar, frozen products, textiles, flour, canned tomatoes, pasta or spaghetti, and pharmaceutical products,” he said.
Dr. Forson added that the listed goods must now enter the country only through seaports.
“These goods must now be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports and will no longer be permitted to enter or transit through Ghana via land borders,” he explained.
The Minister further announced the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB) to enhance operations.
“I have also directed the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB). This will establish a one-stop shop for valuation and strengthen intelligence sharing, including insights generated through the Publican AI system,” he noted.
According to him, the new measures are aimed at tightening border controls and addressing revenue leakages.
“These measures are intended to strengthen border controls, close revenue leakages, and safeguard government revenue,” he said.
He therefore directed all relevant departments within the Customs Division to ensure strict adherence to the new directives.
“Accordingly, I have directed all relevant departments and units within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure strict compliance with these directives.”
