President John Dramani Mahama has expressed anger over an alleged scheme involving the diversion of transit goods at Ghana’s borders and the evasion of state revenue, directing that those responsible face urgent investigation and sanctions.
The incident follows a recent enforcement operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The exercise targeted trucks declared to transport transit goods from Akanu to Niger via Kulungugu.
However, inspections uncovered suspected irregularities.
Preliminary findings showed that some of the trucks moved without the mandatory customs human escort required for transit cargo — a critical safeguard meant to prevent diversion and revenue loss.
The development has sparked concerns about possible internal collusion and weaknesses within border enforcement systems.
Government officials say the episode reinforces renewed efforts to plug revenue leakages and strengthen monitoring at the country’s entry and exit points. The administration has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that officers tasked with safeguarding state revenue perform their duties without compromise.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, February 23, 2026, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem disclosed that the president demanded an immediate briefing upon the inspection team’s return from the border.
“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 said.
Ampem stressed that while some officers may be implicated, others played a key role in uncovering the suspected infractions.
He added that the government intends to reward integrity and professionalism, while ensuring that any wrongdoing established through ongoing investigations attracts appropriate sanctions.
