The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has alleged that some officers within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are collaborating with importers to deliberately undervalue goods, resulting in significant revenue losses to the state.
His comments follow the interception of 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts on February 18, 2026. The trucks, declared as in transit to Niger, were found carrying assorted goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste.
Authorities stopped the vehicles over suspected irregularities in documentation and transit procedures, noting that the mandatory customs human escort was absent — a major violation of transit regulations.
Preliminary investigations indicate the consignments could have led to potential revenue losses of GH¢85.3 million, with an immediate revenue exposure estimated at GH¢2.62 million.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show, Mr Nyarko Ampem said concerns about customs officers aiding importers in manipulating declarations have persisted for some time. He revealed that officers had been monitoring the trucks prior to their interception.
“I have seen a letter from one officer to the Aflao border, directing that the goods should not be allowed to enter. This indicates the matter had been under surveillance for a while,” he noted.
While acknowledging that most customs officers perform their duties professionally, the Deputy Minister said a few “bad nuts” within the system are undermining efforts to protect state revenue.
“There are some bad nuts in customs who are aiding importers to defraud the nation through practices such as undervaluation and diversion of goods. When diligent officers realised what was happening, they acted,” he stated.
