Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama was “very upset” after being briefed on the recent interception of articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at Ghana’s borders.
The development follows a major enforcement operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which intercepted several trucks declared as carrying transit goods from Akanu and bound for Niger through Kulungugu.
Investigations uncovered alleged breaches of customs procedures, including the movement of goods without the mandatory human escort by customs officers — a requirement designed to prevent diversion and safeguard state revenue. The incident has raised concerns about possible internal complicity within the customs system.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem said the President demanded immediate feedback upon their return from the border operation.
“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.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is determined to send a clear message that customs enforcement officers are entrusted with safeguarding national revenue and protecting Ghana’s borders, and any compromise of that duty will attract firm 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 added.
Mr Ampem acknowledged that not all officers were implicated in the alleged infractions, noting that some customs personnel played a key role in exposing the irregularities. He stressed that government would reward integrity while punishing misconduct.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that ongoing investigations will determine individual culpability as authorities intensify efforts to plug revenue leakages and strengthen border enforcement mechanisms.
