Patrick Quophi Obosu Quophi Obosu 
Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister for Finance, has lauded the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for intercepting 12 articulated trucks during a large-scale enforcement exercise along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, calling the move a bold effort to safeguard public revenue.
The late-night operation, conducted between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., was spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations. It was supported by the Chief Revenue Officer for Preventive at Tema Collection, the Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce of National Security, and enforcement personnel from both the Tema Collection and the Customs Headquarters.
The 12 trucks are suspected to be part of a larger batch of 18 articulated vehicles that were electronically cleared from the Customs system as transit cargo. The shipment was declared as goods in transit from Akanu, with Niger listed as the final destination through Kulungugu. However, the trucks were intercepted while traveling without the required Customs human escort, in violation of Ghana’s transit regulations.
The trucks were carrying 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Officials estimate that the potential tax revenue at risk exceeds GH¢85 million.
Eleven of the intercepted vehicles have been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under tight Customs supervision, with logistical assistance from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One of the trucks broke down during the operation, and arrangements are underway to transfer its cargo to another vehicle to ensure the goods are properly secured.
Initial assessments indicate that all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, but only 12 have so far been physically impounded. Efforts are underway to trace and recover the remaining six vehicles as investigations continue.
Commending the enforcement team, Thomas Nyarko Ampem said the prompt intervention underscores the Government’s determination to curb transit diversion and prevent revenue losses.
“Investigations are ongoing to trace the six outstanding trucks,” he noted.
