Goosie Tanoh Urges Strong Sanctions Against ‘Economic Saboteurs’ in Customs Operations
Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goosie Tanoh, has cautioned against what he described as “economic saboteurs” exploiting Ghana’s customs transit, bonded warehouse and auction frameworks for private benefit.
Addressing the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG) in Akosombo over the weekend, Mr Tanoh observed that persistent acts of misclassification and deliberate undervaluation of imports at the ports continue to erode state revenue and undermine the country’s broader economic transformation drive.
“It is my fervent hope that the malfeasance and outright economic sabotage of those who abuse the customs transit regime and bonded warehouse system will be a thing of the past,” he stated, emphasising that such practices deny the state critical resources needed to fund essential services including healthcare, education and housing.
Mr Tanoh expressed confidence that the ongoing integration of Customs, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other regulatory bodies onto the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) real-time platform would significantly curb opportunities for manipulation through the establishment of a streamlined, one-stop-shop clearance process.
He further urged the leadership of ACHAG to exhibit firmness and professional integrity by disciplining or expelling members found to be involved in fraudulent conduct.
“An association like yours must have the courage to punish those who seek to destroy the Ghanaian economy in satisfaction of their greed and insatiable appetite for illicit gains,” he remarked.
According to Mr Tanoh, such unethical practices disadvantage compliant businesses and legitimate investors, contribute to job losses, and weaken public trust in Ghana’s trade and logistics architecture.
In his remarks, the outgoing President of ACHAG, Mr Akwasi Serebour Boateng, indicated that the 24-hour economy policy requires customs house agents to strengthen operational capacity through adequate staffing, shift systems and the development of firms capable of delivering round-the-clock professional services.
He raised concerns over unlicensed customs brokerage activities, describing them as a major risk to the integrity of the profession, government revenue and unsuspecting importers.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and all relevant institutions to ensure that this practice is decisively curtailed,” Mr Serebour Boateng stated.
He further disclosed that ACHAG members have undergone structured capacity-building programmes covering critical areas of practice, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, to position them to effectively navigate the evolving continental trade environment.
The Deputy Commissioner and Head of the Suspense Regime at the Customs Division, Ama Birago Owusu Ansah, representing the Acting Commissioner of Customs, commended customs house agents for their contribution to the 24-hour economy agenda and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their operations.
Solidarity messages were delivered by the Ghana Shippers Authority, Food and Drugs Authority and Ghana Standards Authority, all of whom acknowledged the critical role of customs house agents in revenue mobilisation and trade facilitation.
The event drew participation from ACHAG members nationwide, alongside key stakeholders within Ghana’s trade and logistics sector.
