Kissi Agyebeng
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has begun investigations into suspected corruption involving the diversion of 50 twenty-foot containers of palm oil valued at GH¢25.8 million into the local market.
The OSP, in a statement yesterday, indicated that the consignment, declared as in transit to Burkina Faso, was unlawfully diverted into the local market without payment of applicable duties and taxes.
The statement said the OSP has “identified the involvement of some Customs officers, National Security operatives, and clearing agents in a corrupt scheme that resulted in an estimated loss of GH¢10.5 million in taxes.”
According to the statement, the OSP commenced the investigation on the back of an intelligence-led operation conducted in November 2025.
“As the process continues, the Office remains committed to protecting the public purse and upholding integrity,” it added.
Interception
On February 18, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Division, intercepted 18 articulated trucks declared as goods in transit to Niger.
Intelligence and field surveillance established that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for such consignments.
The trucks were released from the Akanu Border Post for transit through the Eastern Corridor, exiting at Kulungugu en route to Niger under Bill of Entry (BOE) Number 80226125039.
Twelve (12) of the 18 trucks have been impounded, with eleven currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection, investigation, and further legal processing.
Post-interception examinations uncovered material discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, with the irregularities significantly understating the tax liability and have revised the suspended revenue exposure to GH¢85,306,578.33.
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, subsequently directed the GRA to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter.
The Ministry, in a statement, said disciplinary action will be initiated against any Customs officers found culpable, while criminal investigations will also extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution.
The interception led to the introduction of some drastic measures to avert future occurrences, including a ban on all land transit of cooking oil.
According to the Ministry, such consignments must be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.
Again, all transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking, and strict compliance enforcement to safeguard state revenue.
The situation has also led to the introduction of prompt implementation of disciplinary measures and legal prosecution of Customs officers found culpable in similar circumstances.
“Government remains resolute in safeguarding local industry and jobs, while ensuring that Ghana’s Customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development,” the statement added.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak