President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly expressed outrage following the interception of articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme along Ghana’s borders.
The incident stems from a recent enforcement operation undertaken by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The exercise focused on trucks declared as transporting transit goods from Akanu to Niger via Kulungugu. However, inspections conducted by customs officials uncovered suspected irregularities that have since triggered high-level concern.
Preliminary findings indicate that some of the trucks were moved without the mandatory customs human escort — a key control mechanism required to monitor transit cargo and prevent diversion into the local market without the payment of appropriate duties.
The development has raised fresh concerns about potential internal collusion and systemic weaknesses within Ghana’s border enforcement architecture. Authorities believe the suspected scheme may have resulted in significant revenue losses to the state if left undetected.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, February 23, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem disclosed that President Mahama demanded an immediate briefing upon the inspection team’s return from the border.
“When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for us for feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves,” Mr Ampem stated.
He emphasised that while investigations may implicate certain officers, others demonstrated commendable professionalism in exposing the suspected infractions.
Mr Ampem further assured that the government remains resolute in its commitment to clamp down on revenue leakages and tighten oversight at all entry and exit points. He stressed that officers who uphold integrity will be recognised and rewarded, while any wrongdoing established through ongoing investigations will attract appropriate sanctions.
