The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has successfully intercepted 12 articulated trucks carrying 44,055 packages of undeclared edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti during a significant overnight enforcement operation along the Dawhenya–Tema road.
The operation, which took place between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., was directed by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, with assistance from the Chief Revenue Officer (Preventive, Tema Collection), the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce of National Security, and enforcement officers from both the Tema Collection and Customs Headquarters.
Customs officials reported that the trucks were part of a fleet of 18 vehicles that had been electronically cleared from the system and classified as transit goods from Akanu, intended for Niger via Kulungugu.
However, the vehicles were reportedly travelling without the required Customs human escort, which constitutes a serious violation of established transit protocols.
The consignments are estimated to represent a potential loss of revenue amounting to GH¢85.3 million, with an initial evaluation set at GH¢2.62 million.
Of the 12 trucks that were intercepted, 11 have been transported to the GPHA Transit Terminal and are now under strict Customs supervision, with logistical assistance from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). One truck experienced a mechanical issue during the operation, and its cargo is currently being transferred to another vehicle to ensure the safety of the goods.
Preliminary inspections suggest that while all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, only 12 have been physically apprehended.
Customs officials have stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the location of the remaining six trucks and to determine if there was any collusion or procedural violations.
The GRA Customs Division has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding state revenue, maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s transit system, and ensuring that any attempts to undermine revenue mobilisation efforts are addressed firmly.
