GRA moves to sanction customs officers over 18-truck smuggling scandal
The Ghana Revenue Authority has initiated disciplinary proceedings against customs officers linked to the recent 18-truck smuggling case, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed.
Speaking in a radio interview on Citi FM on February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem said the Commissioner-General of the GRA had issued formal queries to officers suspected of diverting goods and directed them to respond by the close of day.
“The Minister directed the Commissioner-General to immediately start disciplinary action against the suspected officers. Queries were issued last Friday, and they are expected to respond today,” Mr Ampem said. “Following their responses, necessary action, including interdiction, will take place.”
The 18 trucks were intercepted last week at various locations while reportedly heading to landlocked countries. They were carrying consignments of cooking oil, spaghetti, tomato paste, rice and sugar.
Preliminary investigations revealed that although the goods had been declared as transit cargo, they were allegedly being diverted onto the local market, potentially depriving the state of more than GH¢85 million in revenue.
Mr Ampem indicated that some officers assigned to escort the trucks were absent at critical stages, raising serious concerns about compliance failures and possible collusion.
“This is not a one-off incident. The information we are receiving indicates that such practices have become the norm,” he said. “We must send a strong signal that customs officers have a responsibility to protect state revenue and should not be complicit in evading duties.”
He added that while officers found to have acted improperly would face sanctions, those who discharged their duties diligently would be recognised.
Criminal investigations are also underway into importers and clearing agents who may have played a role in the attempted diversion. The Ministry of Finance, he said, is reviewing operations at land borders as part of broader efforts to curb revenue leakages and protect local businesses from unfair competition.
Mr Ampem further disclosed that the government intends to tighten enforcement of customs procedures, enhance monitoring of high-risk goods and ensure that all transit cargo is routed strictly through approved seaports, including Tema and Takoradi.
He emphasised that the matter would be pursued with urgency and seriousness, stressing that the outcome would demonstrate that compliance and accountability are non-negotiable in customs operations.
