Gov’t bans land transit of cooking oil after GRA intercepts 18 trucks in suspected diversion scheme
Government has banned all land transit of cooking oil through Ghana’s borders, directing that such consignments must be routed exclusively through the country’s seaports, following the interception of 18 articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme.
The directive was announced after the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, visited the Akanu and Aflao border posts on Friday, February 20, 2026, to assess developments surrounding the case.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Division, intercepted the trucks on February 18, 2026.
The trucks had been declared as goods in transit to Niger.
However, intelligence and field surveillance revealed that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for such consignments.
The cargo, which was released from the Akanu Border Post under Bill of Entry (BOE) Number 80226125039, was expected to transit through the Eastern Corridor and exit at Kulungugu en route to Niger. The declared shipment comprised 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms.
Out of the 18 trucks, 12 have been impounded. Eleven are currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection and further legal processing, while one truck overturned while allegedly attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo. The remaining six trucks are being pursued.
Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GHS 2.6 million. However, post-interception examinations uncovered “material discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights,” which significantly understated the tax liability. The revised suspended revenue exposure now stands at GHS 85,306,578.33.
The Ministry indicated that preliminary findings point to “systemic control weaknesses and human complicity.”
Dr. Forson has directed the GRA to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter and initiate disciplinary action against any Customs officers found culpable. Criminal investigations will also extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution.
The impounded goods will be auctioned in accordance with applicable laws.
As part of immediate corrective measures, the Minister directed that “All land transit of cooking oil is hereby prohibited. Such consignments must be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.”
Additionally, all transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking, and strict compliance enforcement to safeguard state revenue.
The government reiterated its resolve to protect local industry and jobs while ensuring that Ghana’s customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
