Customs Impounds 12 Transit Trucks

Customs Impounds 12 Transit Trucks; GH¢85 Million in Potential Revenue at Risk

February 21,2026

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted 12 articulated trucks in what officials describe as a significant breach of Ghana’s transit regulations, placing more than GH¢85 million in potential tax revenue at stake.

The late-night operation, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, was led by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations. The exercise involved officers from the Tema Collection, Customs Headquarters, and the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce.

According to Customs officials, the trucks were part of a consignment of 18 vehicles that had been electronically cleared from the system as transit cargo. The goods were declared as originating from Akanu and destined for Niger through Kulungugu.

However, the 12 trucks were intercepted without the required Customs human escort, a key safeguard under Ghana’s transit procedures. Authorities say this constitutes a serious violation of established protocols.

The vehicles were transporting 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Preliminary assessments indicate that the taxes involved exceed GH¢85 million.

Eleven of the seized trucks have been moved to the GPHA Transit Terminal and are currently under tight Customs supervision, with support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and its cargo is being transferred to another vehicle to ensure proper custody of the goods.

Although all 18 trucks were electronically gated out of the Customs system, only 12 have been physically secured. Investigations are ongoing to locate and intercept the remaining six trucks.

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, commended the enforcement team and revealed that he has directed the Commissioner-General of the GRA to conclude investigations within one week. He also disclosed that two Customs officers connected to the matter are being tracked as part of the probe.

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, cautioned traders and businesses to adhere strictly to Customs regulations, warning that authorities would not hesitate to apply the full force of the law, including confiscation, against offenders.

The interception underscores ongoing efforts by revenue authorities to clamp down on transit-related irregularities and protect state revenue.