The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted 12 articulated trucks loaded with 44,055 packages of undeclared edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti during a major overnight enforcement operation along the Dawhenya–Tema road.

The exercise, carried out between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, with support 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.

According to Customs officials, the trucks were part of a group of 18 vehicles that had been electronically gated out of the system and declared as transit goods from Akanu, destined for Niger through Kulungugu.

However, the vehicles were allegedly moving without the mandatory Customs human escort, a serious breach of established transit procedures.

The consignments are estimated to represent potential lost revenue of GH¢85.3 million, with an initial assessment pegged at GH¢2.62 million.

Of the 12 trucks intercepted, 11 have been conveyed to the GPHA Transit Terminal and placed under strict Customs supervision, with logistical support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and its cargo is being transferred to another vehicle to secure the goods.

Preliminary checks indicate that although all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, only 12 have been physically intercepted.

Customs officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the remaining six trucks and to establish whether there was any collusion or procedural breaches.

The GRA Customs Division reaffirmed its commitment to protecting state revenue, safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s transit regime, and ensuring that attempts to undermine revenue mobilisation efforts are dealt with decisively.

Source: Citinewsroom