The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has confirmed that the interception of 17 trucks loaded with suspected smuggled cooking oil is part of intensified anti-smuggling enforcement measures to protect Ghana’s economy.

Describing the operation as a “decisive blow against economic sabotage”, Mr. Sarpong said on Thursday, February 19, that the intelligence-led midnight raid uncovered an alleged transit diversion scheme in which goods declared for Burkina Faso and Niger were diverted into Ghana through the Akanu corridor.

“This is about protecting Ghana’s economy,” Mr. Sarpong emphasised.

Twelve trucks have been impounded, with five reportedly still being tracked.

Trucks identified include:

GT 9656-25, TG 8906-BR, 11KG8968-BF, AS 7300-15, AS 8894-10, TG 6973-AN, 6074E403-BF, TG 6972-AN, TG 2285-AU, TG 1768-BP, TG 7203-BD, TG 2398-BD, TG 5032-BN, TG 8734-AW, TG 0739-AN, TG 3417-BR, TG 0435-BM.

Authorities say the diversion could have deprived the state of import duties, VAT, ECOWAS trade revenue, and critical protection for local edible oil producers.

“If you want to trade in Ghana, pay your tax. If you attempt to cheat the system, you will lose your goods and your trucks,” the Commissioner-General warned.

The GRA announced it will hold a national press briefing and launch deeper investigations to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the syndicate.

The crackdown follows recent concerns raised by the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) during a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, calling for tighter border security to curb smuggling.

Officials say the operation has boosted public confidence and signals a new era of strict enforcement against revenue leakages.