Gov’t Initiates Probe into Alleged Diversion of 18 Transit Trucks; Implicated Customs Officers to Face Sanctions
Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has indicated that official investigations have been initiated into the suspected diversion of 18 articulated trucks transporting assorted consumer goods, in what authorities believe is an organised transit fraud operation.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, the Deputy Minister assured the public that the issue is being handled with urgency and that all individuals found to be involved will face appropriate sanctions.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to crack down on coordinated customs-related malpractices and to reinforce discipline across the system.
Mr. Ampem noted that the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has already instructed the leadership of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to move quickly to address the situation.
According to him, initial actions, including internal assessments and administrative processes, are already underway and could soon culminate in swift disciplinary measures.
“The Minister instructed the Commissioner-General of Customs to take immediate action. Feedback I received from the Commissioner-General last night suggests that internal procedures have begun, and we expect that by the end of today or tomorrow, some disciplinary steps will be taken. This will definitely happen,” he stated.
He further disclosed that officers tasked with escorting the trucks out of the country have been issued queries and are required to submit their responses by the close of day.
“Subsequently, the appropriate actions, including interdiction, will be implemented. The interdiction will take place,” he emphasised.
The directive follows the interception of 18 articulated trucks believed to be linked to a transit diversion syndicate at the Akanu and Aflao border points.
The trucks were reportedly declared as being in transit to Niger but were suspected to have been rerouted for sale within the domestic market — a practice that results in substantial losses in customs revenue to the state.
On February 18, 2026, the GRA, through its Customs Division, intercepted the trucks and confirmed that they were conveying various consumer items, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste.
