Accra, Ghana – 25 February 2026
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has suspended five officers from its Customs Division as part of an investigation into serious procedural breaches uncovered during a recent enforcement operation.
The GRA announced the immediate interdiction in a statement released on Tuesday, February 24, stating that the action follows preliminary findings from an operation conducted on February 18, 2026. The operation, which targeted transit cargo destined for Niger, revealed significant discrepancies in documentation and failures to adhere to established customs protocols.
“Initial assessments indicate potential procedural breaches requiring further independent and comprehensive examination,” the GRA statement explained. The investigation aims to determine the full extent of the irregularities and the specific roles of those involved. The Authority indicated that more officers could be called to assist with the inquiry and that appropriate administrative action will be taken upon its conclusion.
This development stems from a major interception on February 18, where Customs officials stopped 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts. The trucks were carrying a range of goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste, which were declared as being in transit to Niger.
Sources indicate that the cargo was moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escort required for transit goods, leading to an estimated tax evasion of GH¢85.3 million. The scale of the infraction has prompted swift action from the highest levels of government.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has subsequently imposed an immediate ban on the land transit of cooking oil. Under the new directive, all such consignments must now enter and leave the country exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.
The GRA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national revenue and ensuring that all enforcement and collection activities are carried out with the highest level of professionalism and accountability. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
