The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has confirmed that formal investigations are underway into the alleged diversion of 18 articulated trucks carrying assorted goods, in what authorities suspect is a transit fraud scheme.
The trucks, reportedly declared for transit to Niger, were transporting items including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, Mr Nyarko Ampem assured the public that the matter is being handled urgently and that those found culpable will face sanctions. He emphasized the government’s determination to clamp down on organized customs-related fraud and restore discipline within the system.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has directed the leadership of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to take immediate action.
He revealed that preliminary measures, including internal reviews and administrative procedures, have already begun and could soon lead to disciplinary action.
“The Minister instructed the Commissioner General of Customs to act immediately. As of last night, the Commissioner General reported that internal processes have started, and we expect some disciplinary actions by close of day today or tomorrow. Queries were issued to the officers assigned to escort the trucks out of Ghana, and they are expected to respond by end of day. After that, the necessary actions, including interdiction, will follow,” he stated.
The directive follows the interception of the 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts. Authorities suspect that although the trucks were declared for transit to Niger, they may have been diverted for sale on the local market — a practice that causes significant revenue losses for the Customs Division.
On February 18, 2026, the GRA, through its Customs Division, confirmed that the vehicles were carrying assorted consumer goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste.
