Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, has promised decisive action against those involved in a massive transit diversion scheme that has left the country with a potential revenue loss of GH¢85 million. The minister made the statement after 18 articulated trucks were intercepted at the Akanu and Aflao border posts for allegedly transporting goods without the mandatory customs human escorts.
According to Joy News, the trucks were declared as goods in transit to Niger but were found to be operating without the required escort protection. Twelve of the trucks have been impounded, with eleven secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection and legal processing, while one overturned during an attempted escape.
Preliminary findings point to systemic control weaknesses and possible human involvement, prompting the minister to direct the Ghana Revenue Authority to begin comprehensive investigations. “We will not allow Ghana’s customs regime to be exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development,” Dr. Forson stated.
The minister has also announced measures to prevent further abuse of the transit system, including a ban on land transit of cooking oil and enhanced monitoring of transactions from land collection points. The impounded goods will be auctioned to recover lost revenue.
The Ghana Revenue Authority is expected to report back on the disciplinary and legal progress of the case, as the government vows to apply the full rigors of the law.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
