In a significant move to uphold accountability and protect state revenue, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched disciplinary proceedings against customs officers implicated in a recent smuggling case involving 18 trucks. This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, during a radio interview with Citi FM on February 23, 2026.
The case, which has raised concerns about compliance lapses within Ghana's customs operations, involves the interception of 18 trucks carrying consignments of cooking oil, spaghetti, tomato paste, rice, and sugar. The trucks were reportedly en route to landlocked countries but were allegedly being diverted onto the local market. Preliminary investigations suggest that the diversion could have deprived the state of over GH¢85 million in revenue.
Disciplinary Measures Initiated
According to Mr. Ampem, the Commissioner-General of the GRA has taken swift action by issuing formal queries to the officers suspected of involvement in the case. These officers were instructed to respond to the queries by the close of the day following their issuance.
“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 stated. “Following their responses, necessary action, including interdiction, will take place.”
The Deputy Minister further revealed that some of the officers assigned to escort the trucks were absent at critical stages of the operation, raising serious concerns about potential collusion and failures in compliance. He emphasized that such practices cannot be tolerated and must be addressed with urgency.
A Broader Issue
Mr. Ampem noted that this incident is not an isolated case, but rather indicative of a recurring issue within customs operations. “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.”
While reiterating the government’s commitment to accountability, he assured that officers who have diligently fulfilled their responsibilities will be duly recognized for their efforts.
Criminal Investigations Underway
In addition to addressing misconduct among customs officers, criminal investigations are also being conducted into the roles of importers and clearing agents who may have been involved in the attempted diversion of goods. The Ministry of Finance is actively reviewing operations at land borders as part of a broader strategy to curb revenue leakages and safeguard local businesses from unfair competition.
Strengthening Customs Operations
As part of its response to this incident, the government plans to implement stricter enforcement measures for customs procedures. This includes enhancing monitoring mechanisms for high-risk goods and ensuring that all transit cargo is routed exclusively through approved seaports, such as Tema and Takoradi.
Mr. Ampem stressed that the government is committed to addressing this issue with utmost seriousness and urgency. “The matter will be pursued with urgency and seriousness,” he said. “The outcome will demonstrate that compliance and accountability are non-negotiable in customs operations.”
A Call for Integrity
This development underscores the importance of integrity and vigilance within Ghana’s customs operations. As authorities work to prevent revenue losses and ensure fair trade practices, it is crucial that all stakeholders—customs officers, importers, clearing agents, and others—adhere to established regulations and uphold their responsibilities.
The government’s decisive action in this case serves as a reminder that breaches of trust will not be tolerated and that efforts to protect state revenue remain a top priority. The outcome of these investigations will undoubtedly set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, reinforcing the principles of accountability and compliance across all levels of customs operations.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
