The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an investigation into the reported disappearance and unauthorised movement of 28 containers at the Tema Port.
The decision follows a petition submitted on September 29 by importers and their representatives to GRA Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, demanding answers on the whereabouts of the affected consignments.
The petition alleges that while the containers were at different stages of the customs clearance process, some were discovered empty, others were reportedly transferred to private warehouses, while some were allegedly removed from the port without the knowledge of their owners.
The consignments reportedly contained items including cyanide, condensed milk, sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, black pepper and tomato paste.
According to the report, some of the containers were moved to private warehouses located near the GHACEM enclave, while others were allegedly taken out of the port without authorisation from the importers.
The case has also been reported to the Tema Regional Police Command. Some arrests have reportedly been made, with the suspects later granted police enquiry bail.
To establish the facts, Mr Sarpong has constituted a nine-member fact-finding and investigative committee headed by Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor.
The panel comprises senior GRA officials drawn from the Authority’s legal, customs operations, post-clearance audit, preventive, investigations and information technology divisions.
The committee has been directed to verify the allegations and establish the current status and whereabouts of all 28 containers.
As part of its work, it will review electronic records on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), including customs declarations, gazetting records and gate-out logs associated with the affected bills of lading.
The panel will also determine whether any customs procedures were violated and establish whether GRA officers or other external actors were involved.
It is further expected to assess any revenue losses resulting from the alleged incidents and make recommendations on possible recovery.
The committee will also examine claims of potential cartel activity and allegations that the names of senior officials were used in connection with the movement of the containers.
Mr Sarpong has directed the committee to commence its work immediately and submit its findings within 14 days.
All relevant departments and stakeholders at the Tema Collection have been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
