Former Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Richard Anamoo, has cast doubt on how over 1,300 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) could have gone missing, stating that such an occurrence would be highly unusual unless there was internal collusion.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews' The Probe on Sunday, March 30, Mr. Anamoo explained that GPHA has a clear procedure for handling goods, and containers cannot exit the port without proper documentation.

“If containers are missing from the port, then GPHA is responsible. However, if they were properly cleared with all necessary documentation, then the responsibility shifts elsewhere,” he clarified.

He emphasised that the port clearance process revolves around two key requirements: the bill of lading – Proof of ownership and clearance authorization and payment of all required duties and charges – Including GPHA handling and rent fees.

47 Containers Cleared Without Duty – A Major Breach?

Reports indicate that 47 containers were cleared from the port without the payment of duties, sparking allegations that some ECG officials may have acted in collusion with GPHA or customs officials.

Reacting to this revelation, Mr. Anamoo stated that if containers were indeed cleared without duty, internal personnel within GPHA and customs must be held accountable.

“That would be very strange. If goods left the port without duty being paid, then some individuals within GPHA and Customs must be questioned. This is a customs-controlled port, not a free port, meaning all goods exiting must have customs clearance,” he noted.

Mr. Anamoo stressed that beyond GPHA, customs officers stationed at the exit gates also bear responsibility for ensuring that every shipment leaving the port has met all legal requirements.

“Customs officers are present at the exit gates. If there’s evidence that goods left without proper clearance, it’s not just a GPHA matter—it involves customs too. Both institutions have a duty to ensure compliance,” he added.