The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama was “very upset” after being briefed on the interception of articulated trucks allegedly involved in a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at Ghana’s borders.
The development follows a large-scale operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which intercepted trucks declared as transit cargo from Akanu, reportedly destined for Niger through Kulungugu.
The operation uncovered several alleged breaches, including the movement of goods without the mandatory customs human escort — a violation that has raised concerns about possible internal collusion.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, Mr. Ampem said the President demanded an immediate briefing upon their return from the border.
“When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for us for feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the government is determined to send a strong message that customs officers are entrusted with safeguarding national revenue and protecting the country’s borders, and any breach of that responsibility will attract sanctions.
“We want to send a very strong signal that our customs officers have the responsibility to ensure revenue and protect our borders. So, they should not be complicit in this,” he said.
Mr. Ampem, however, clarified that not all officers were implicated. He acknowledged that some personnel played a crucial role in exposing the irregularities.
“There are good ones who assisted us in this exercise. We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours,” he added.
