President John Mahama has declared that smuggling, counterfeiting and the repackaging of substandard goods will be treated as economic sabotage under his administration, warning that offenders will face strict sanctions.

The President’s remarks follow the interception of 18 articulated trucks that had been declared as goods in transit to Niger but were suspected to be involved in a diversion scheme.

Subsequent inspections reportedly uncovered inconsistencies in unit values, tariff classifications and cargo weights, pushing the estimated revenue exposure from GH¢2.6 million to more than GH¢85 million.

Addressing a Presidential engagement with private sector players at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, President Mahama stressed that illicit trade practices undermine local businesses and erode national revenue.

He described such activities as deliberate attempts to weaken the economy.

President Mahama outlined a series of measures aimed at tightening enforcement at the country’s borders, including enhanced coordination among security agencies, deployment of technology-driven customs surveillance systems and strict enforcement of product standards.

He further warned that public officials found complicit in trade infractions would be dismissed and prosecuted.

“This government is determined to protect Ghanaian enterprises so they can thrive and grow,” President Mahama stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding legitimate businesses and preserving the integrity of the country’s trade regime.