The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is facing scrutiny after Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, alleged that some customs officers are colluding with importers to undervalue goods, resulting in significant losses to state revenue.
The allegations follow the interception of 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts on February 18, 2026. The trucks, declared in transit to Niger, were carrying assorted goods such as cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste. Officials found that the vehicles were moving without the mandatory customs human escort, a serious breach of transit procedures.
Deputy Minister Ampem revealed on the Citi Breakfast Show on February 23 that the missing escort officers later provided conflicting explanations, prompting Minister of Finance Cassiel Ato Forson to order an investigation. The incident is estimated to involve potential revenue losses of GH¢85.3 million, with the initial assessment at GH¢2.62 million.
Mr. Ampem said while most customs officers operate professionally, a small number of “bad nuts” have been collaborating with importers to manipulate declarations, under-declare goods, and divert shipments.
“The customs have been tracking them. Some officers have been monitoring these activities for a while,” he noted, adding that the government is determined to clamp down on such practices to protect national revenue.
Authorities have assured that any officers found complicit will face legal sanctions as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen border controls and enforcement within the GRA.
