President John Dramani Mahama has declared that smuggling, counterfeiting, and the rebagging of substandard goods constitute economic sabotage and will be treated as serious economic crimes under his administration.
His remarks follow the interception of 18 articulated trucks that were declared as transit cargo to Niger but were suspected to be part of a wider diversion scheme.
Post-clearance inspections uncovered inconsistencies in the declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights of the goods, raising the estimated revenue exposure from GH¢2.6 million to more than GH¢85 million.
Addressing participants at a Presidential Encounter with the Private Sector held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, President Mahama outlined measures to curb illicit trade and strengthen accountability, particularly among public officials.
“We will intensify coordinated border enforcement, treat trade infractions as economic crimes, dismiss and prosecute public officers found culpable, deploy technology-driven customs surveillance solutions, and rigorously enforce product standards.
“This government is determined to protect Ghanaian enterprises so they can thrive and grow,” he stated.
The President stressed that protecting local businesses from unfair competition and revenue leakages remains a top priority, assuring the private sector of the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and competitive trading environment.
