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Thomas Nyarko Ampem,Deputy Minster for Finance
Trade

Deputy Finance Minister Praises GRA for Seizing 12 Trucks; Over GH¢85m Taxes at Risk

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The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has praised the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for intercepting 12 articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a revenue diversion scheme. The operation which took place overnight along the Dawhenya–Tema Road between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. involved Customs officers, the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce and enforcement teams from Tema Collection and Customs Headquarters. Officials say the trucks were part of a group of 18 vehicles that had been cleared as transit goods. The cargo was declared as goods moving from Akanu to Niger through Kulungugu. However, the trucks were intercepted while travelling without the required Customs escort, which is against transit rules. The trucks were carrying 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste and spaghetti. Authorities estimate that more than GH¢85 million in taxes could have been lost if the goods had been diverted into the local market. Eleven of the trucks have been kept at the GPHA Transit Terminal under Customs supervision, with support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck broke down during the operation, and its goods are being moved to another vehicle to keep them safe. Checks show that all 18 trucks were electronically cleared, but only 12 have been found so far. Investigations are ongoing to locate the remaining six trucks. The Deputy Minister stated that the interception shows government’s determination to stop revenue leakages, adding that he has directed the Commissioner-General to finish investigations within one week and noted that two Customs officers linked to the case are being tracked. “Investigation is ongoing to identify the six outstanding trucks. I have asked the Commissioner-General to conclude investigations in one week. We are tracking the two Customs officers who were involved. We take these things seriously because the impact on our revenue is serious ,” he stated. The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, also warned businesses and traders to follow Customs rules. He said the Authority will apply the law, including confiscating goods and taking legal action against offenders. “We will apply the law of confiscation. The full arms of the law will be applied,” he said. The incident forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce smuggling and improve revenue collection in the country.

Trade

IEAG Challenges Prof. Gatsi’s Assertion on Substandard Cable Imports

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The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has expressed concern over an assertion made by the Board Chairman of the Energy Commission, Prof John Garchie Gatsi suggesting that Ghana’s ports are being used as conduits for the importation of substandard electrical cables. In a statement released, the association explained that they operate one of the most effective mechanisms for preventing the circulation of substandard imported electrical cables through formal channels hence contradicting the assertion made by Prof. Gatsi. “IEAG wishes to respectfully express concern over this assertion, as it does not adequately reflect the stringent regulatory controls and operational safeguards that govern the importation of electrical goods through the country’s ports.” The association however acknowledged the serious risks posed by inferior electrical cables and went ahead to call for the broadening of enforcement efforts to address the high-risk entry points. “While IEAG acknowledges the serious risks posed by inferior electrical cables, including fire outbreaks, infrastructure damage, and threats to public safety, we submit that evidence from industry monitoring indicates that a significant proportion of such products enter the domestic market through unapproved routes and porous land borders, bypassing formal inspection and duty payment. It is therefore important that enforcement efforts are broadened to address these high-risk entry points rather than portraying the ports, where multiple state agencies operate layered controls, as the primary source.” The IEAG also encouraged the Energy Commission to strengthen collaboration with customs and other relevant agencies to enhance surveillance and regulatory supervision at designated bonded warehouses. The association then welcomed engagements with other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to address the enforcement gaps across the entire supply chain and reiterated its commitment towards protecting lives, safeguarding government revenue and promoting compliant and responsible trade practices.

Trade

Government Confirms Ghanaian Tomato Traders Involved in Burkina Faso Attack

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The Government of Ghana has confirmed that a truck transporting Ghanaian tomato traders was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. According to an official statement signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security,Muntaka Mohammed – Mubarak, the government received reports of the incident from authorities in Burkina Faso. The traders were reportedly traveling through Titao ,the northern part of Burkina Faso when the attack occurred. Details regarding casualties or the number of Ghanaians affected have not yet been officially confirmed. The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is currently liaising with Burkinabe authorities to visit the scene of the attack, gather accurate information, and assist in identifying any Ghanaian nationals involved. Government officials say further updates will be communicated to the public once verified information becomes available. The attack raises concerns about the safety of cross-border trade routes frequently used by Ghanaian traders.