GRA, National Security intercept 12 trucks in GH¢85m suspected tax evasion scheme
A joint operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Security has resulted in the interception of 12 articulated trucks loaded with assorted food products in what officials have described as a significant case of suspected tax evasion.
The overnight exercise, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, took place along the Dawhenya–Tema Road.
It was executed by the GRA’s Customs Division in collaboration with the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce of National Security.
The operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, with support from the Chief Revenue Officer, Preventive (Tema Collection), as well as officers drawn from the Tema Collection and Customs Headquarters.
Preliminary findings indicate that the 12 trucks are 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 to Niger via Kulungugu, the trucks were found travelling without the mandatory Customs human escort, in 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, with logistical support from the Authority. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and its cargo was safely transferred to another vehicle.
Briefing journalists at the Transit Terminal, the 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 explained that while 12 trucks had been intercepted, only 11 had so far been fully secured, with six others yet to be accounted for. Investigations, he said, were underway to trace the remaining vehicles and determine the full extent of the suspected scheme.
Mr Ampem further revealed that an initial Customs assessment placed the tax liability on the consignment at approximately GH¢2.6 million. However, 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 said, adding that preliminary indications suggest deliberate attempts to circumvent state revenue systems.
He noted that although the trucks were fitted with tracking devices, the drivers managed to override the system. He stressed that establishing how the breaches occurred would form a critical component of the ongoing investigations.
The Deputy Minister 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.
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 that 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.
