The Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has ordered sweeping reforms to Ghana’s transit operations following the interception of 12 articulated trucks linked to an alleged tax evasion scheme.
Dr Forson on Friday, February 20, 2026, rushed to the Akanu and Aflao border posts after the trucks, declared as goods in transit to Niger, were intercepted without the required Customs escort.
The Minister has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to conduct comprehensive investigations and initiate disciplinary action against any Customs officers found culpable.
As an immediate measure, the Finance Minister has banned the land transit of cooking oil, directing that such consignments must now be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.
“All transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking, and strict compliance enforcement,” the Ministry stated.
The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, disclosed that investigations must be concluded within one week and confirmed that two Customs officers are currently being tracked in connection with the case.
“We take these things seriously because the impact on our revenue is serious,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, warned businesses and clearing agents to comply strictly with Customs laws.
“We will apply the law of confiscation. The full arms of the law will be applied,” he cautioned.
Criminal investigations are expected to extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution.
The Ministry emphasised that the government remains committed to safeguarding domestic revenue mobilisation and preventing abuse of Ghana’s customs regime.
Authorities say the six outstanding trucks are being pursued as investigations intensify into one of the largest suspected transit diversion schemes in recent years.
