Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has interdicted five (5) officers of the Customs Division following findings of procedural breaches linked with a transit cargo operation bound for Niger.
A press statement issued by the Authority on February 24, disclosed that the interdiction follows preliminary findings arising from an enforcement operation conducted on February 18, 2026, involving a consignment of transit cargo declared for onward movement to Niger.
According to the Authority, the operation revealed discrepancies in documentation and compliance with established transit procedures, prompting a detailed internal review. While the Authority await outcome of an internal investigation, their initial assessments indicate potential procedural breaches requiring further independent and comprehensive examination.
“The investigation will determine the full facts, including the extent of any individual involvement and departures from established Customs protocols. Additional officers may be invited to assist with the investigation where necessary and upon conclusion of the process, appropriate administrative action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” parts of the statement read.
The GRA has assured its stakeholders and the public that this action reflects a commitment to protect national revenue, growth of local industries, as well as promote overall economic development. “We remain committed to ensure that all revenue collection and enforcement procedures are executed with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” the statement read.
For years, the GRA has been fighting revenue leakage, with officials attributing the problem to poor work ethics and complicity among some staff members.
On February 18, 2026, the GRA, through its Customs Division, intercepted trucks carrying assorted goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti and tomato paste, declared for transit to Niger.
The trucks, which were not accompanied by the required Customs Human Escorts, according to reports, were found to be carrying goods valued at millions of Ghana cedis.
The goods, consisting of 44,055 packages weighing approximately 879,860 kilogrammes, were initially assessed to have a duty and tax liability of GH¢2.62 million.
However, further investigations revealed discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, resulting in a revised revenue exposure of GH¢85.3 million.
Of the 18 trucks, 12 have been impounded and 11 secured at the Tema Transit Yard for further inspection and legal processing. One truck overturned while attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo, and six remaining trucks are still being pursued.
Following the scandal, the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, warning that any GRA officials found complicit will face disciplinary action. Also, he banned land transit of cooking oil, directing that such consignments be routed through Ghana’s seaports.
Tax Alarm
On January 12, 2026, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) expressed concerns over tax discrepancies in the petroleum sector, urging the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure fair and consistent tax administration. The discrepancy involves the due date for tax remittance on petroleum product liftings, which COMAC says exposes oil marketers to compliance risks and potential penalties. COMAC also called for the immediate measures from GRA, including correcting the tax remittance dates in the system, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and addressing outstanding requests for regulatory intervention.
The chamber warns that regulatory lapses could lead to fuel supply disruptions, price instability, and diminished international investor confidence. According to Riverson Oppong, Industry Coordinator of COMAC, the GRA’s failure to address these issues has been seen as a disregard for industry concerns, and COMAC has threatened to escalate its advocacy efforts if necessary.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke