A suspected transit diversion scheme involving cooking oil and other goods has triggered sweeping reforms at Ghana’s borders, after authorities uncovered what officials describe as a major revenue risk.
The operation came to light on February 18, 2026, when the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts. The trucks were declared as carrying goods in transit to Niger, including cooking oil, spaghetti and tomato paste.
According to officials, the consignment was declared as 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilogrammes under Bill of Entry (BOE) Number 80226125039, with the cargo expected to exit Ghana at Kulungugu via the Eastern Corridor.
However, investigations revealed that the trucks were travelling without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for transit cargo. Further examination uncovered discrepancies in declared values, tariff classifications and weights — significantly understating the actual tax liability.
Initial suspended duties were estimated at GH¢2.6 million. But after detailed inspection, the revised revenue exposure surged to GH¢85.3 million.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson described the findings as alarming and indicative of possible systemic weaknesses and human complicity within the customs process.
Twelve of the 18 trucks have been impounded, with 11 currently held at the Tema Transit Yard for further inspection and legal action. One truck overturned while allegedly attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo, while six others remain under active pursuit.
In response, Dr. Forson has directed an immediate ban on the land transit of cooking oil, mandating that all such consignments must enter and exit Ghana exclusively through the country’s seaports. He has also ordered comprehensive investigations and disciplinary proceedings against any Customs officers found culpable.
Criminal investigations are to be extended to importers and clearing agents where evidence warrants prosecution. The impounded goods, he indicated, will be auctioned in accordance with the law.
Additionally, the Minister has instructed the GRA to tighten monitoring and tracking of all transactions originating from land collection points to prevent future abuses.
“The Government remains resolute in protecting local industry and jobs, while ensuring that Ghana’s customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development,” he stated.
The development underscores growing concerns about transit diversion schemes, which deprive the state of significant revenue and distort fair trade practices.
