A joint overnight operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Security has led to the interception of 12 articulated trucks loaded with assorted food products in what officials describe as a major case of suspected tax evasion involving over GH¢85 million.
The operation, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, was carried out by the GRA’s Customs Division in collaboration with the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce of National Security.
Breach of Transit Protocols
Preliminary investigations reveal that the 12 trucks were part of a larger fleet of 18 vehicles that had been electronically gated out of the Customs system. Although the consignments were declared as transit goods from the Akanu border post in the Volta Region destined for Niger via Kulungugu, the trucks were found travelling without the mandatory Customs human escort—a clear breach of established transit protocols.
Following their interception, 11 of the trucks were escorted to the Transit Terminal of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) at Tema Port and placed under tight Customs supervision. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and its cargo was safely transferred to another vehicle.
GH¢85 Million Revenue Leakage
Addressing journalists at the Transit Terminal, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem disclosed that the operation uncovered 44,055 packages of assorted goods, including edible cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste.
He revealed that while an initial Customs assessment placed the tax liability at approximately GH¢2.6 million, a subsequent reassessment put the actual taxes due to the state at GH¢85,306,578.33—describing the discrepancy as “alarming.”
“This is a huge revenue leakage, and we are taking it very seriously,” Mr Ampem stated. He noted that preliminary indications suggest deliberate attempts to circumvent state revenue systems.
The Deputy Minister revealed that although the trucks were fitted with tracking devices, the drivers managed to override the system. Establishing how these breaches occurred will form a critical component of the ongoing investigations.
Investigations Underway
Mr Ampem has directed the Commissioner-General of the GRA to conclude investigations within one week, after which the public will be updated on the findings and any sanctions to be imposed.
He confirmed that while 12 trucks had been intercepted, only 11 had so far been fully secured, with six others yet to be accounted for. Investigations are underway to trace the remaining vehicles and determine the full extent of the suspected scheme.
Firm Warning to Tax Evaders
The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, reiterated that the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce, working alongside National Security, would sustain similar enforcement exercises across the country.
He cautioned businesses and traders to adhere strictly to Customs and tax regulations, emphasising that “while compliant operators are partners in national development, those who attempt to deprive the state of lawful revenue will face firm action.”
Mr Sarpong added that should investigations confirm the goods were improperly documented, the relevant confiscation laws would be invoked, enabling the state to take full possession of the goods and their proceeds as a deterrent.
He reaffirmed the Customs Division’s commitment to safeguarding state revenue and ensuring strict compliance with Ghana’s tax and customs laws.
