OSP probes alleged GH₵25.8m palm oil diversion scheme
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched an investigation into a suspected corruption scheme involving the diversion of fifty 20-foot containers of palm oil valued at GH₵25.8 million.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the shipment had originally been declared as goods in transit to Burkina Faso.
However, authorities say the consignment was unlawfully diverted into the local market in Ghana without the payment of the required duties and taxes.
The anti-corruption body disclosed that preliminary findings point to the involvement of some Customs officers, National Security operatives, and clearing agents.
The alleged scheme is believed to have caused an estimated loss of GH₵10.5 million in tax revenue to the state.
The OSP indicated that the probe stems from an intelligence-led operation conducted in November 2025, which uncovered irregularities surrounding the handling and clearance of the shipment.
While investigations remain ongoing, the Office emphasised its commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability in the management of imports and transit goods.
The statement stressed that the Special Prosecutor’s office remains focused on protecting the public purse and upholding integrity in public administration as the investigative process unfolds.
In a related development, 18 articulated trucks declared for transit to Niger, which were suspected to be part of a broader diversion scheme, were intercepted at the Akanu Border.
Post-inspection checks revealed discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, increasing the estimated revenue exposure from GH¢2.6 million to over GH¢85 million.
They were intercepted by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over suspicions of irregularities.
The vehicles were allegedly moving without the mandatory customs human escort, a serious breach of established transit procedures.
