Government Vows Sanctions as GRA Intercepts Transit Trucks in Border Crackdown

A large-scale enforcement operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has led to the interception of articulated trucks suspected of engaging in transit diversion and revenue evasion at Ghana’s borders.

The trucks, reportedly declared as transit goods from Akanu and destined for Niger through Kulungugu, were intercepted after authorities detected irregularities in their movement. Among the alleged breaches was the failure to provide mandatory customs human escort — a key control measure intended to prevent diversion of goods into the local market without proper duty payments.

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, revealed that President John Dramani Mahama personally demanded updates following the operation and expressed strong displeasure over the development.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr Ampem underscored the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on revenue leakages and internal misconduct.

“There is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves,” he said, stressing that the government will act decisively once investigations establish individual responsibility.

He also clarified that several customs officers demonstrated professionalism and integrity during the operation, assisting in uncovering the alleged scheme. Government, he noted, is committed to recognising and rewarding such conduct while ensuring that those found culpable face appropriate sanctions.

The crackdown forms part of broader efforts to reinforce border security, restore confidence in customs enforcement systems, and safeguard national revenue from diversion schemes.

Writer’s Name: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah

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