The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has interdicted five customs officers with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into potential procedural breaches uncovered during a recent enforcement operation.
On Tuesday, February 24, in a press release issued, the GRA detailed that the five officers, following preliminary findings, were linked to the procedural breaches of a transit cargo operation bound for Niger.
The GRA, in its press release, wrote, “Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has, with immediate effect, interdicted five (5) officers of the Customs Division pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
The decision follows preliminary findings arising from an enforcement operation conducted on February 18, 2026, involving a consignment of transit cargo declared for onward movement to Niger. The operation revealed discrepancies in documentation and compliance with established transit procedures, prompting a detailed internal review.
Initial assessments indicate potential procedural breaches requiring further independent and comprehensive examination. The investigation will determine the full facts, including the extent of any individual involvement and departures from established Customs protocols. Additional officers may be invited to assist with the investigation where necessary, and upon conclusion of the process, appropriate administrative action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
GRA wishes to assure all stakeholders and the general public that this action reflects a commitment to protect national revenue, growth of local industries and promote overall economic development.
We remain committed to ensuring that all revenue collection and enforcement procedures are executed with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability”.
The GRA announcement follows the18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao borders on February 18, 2026, that were intercepted.
“On February 18, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), acting through its Customs Division, intercepted the trucks and confirmed that they were carrying assorted consumer goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste”, reports stated.
The information gathered suggests the trucks had reportedly been declared for transit to Niger; however, they were suspected to have been diverted for sale within the local market.
Also, the vehicles were allegedly moving without the mandatory customs human escort, which breaches the established transit procedures.
The shipments are projected to represent potential lost revenue of GH¢85.3 million, with an initial estimation set at GH¢2.62 million.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Finance stated, “Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GH¢2,619,748.81. However, post-interception examinations uncovered material discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights.”
“These irregularities significantly understated the tax liability, and the suspended revenue exposure has been revised to GH¢85,306,578.33,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has recalled Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan from his position as Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), with immediate effect.
In his place, Aaron Kanor has been appointed as the new Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division.
The decision follows a week of developments, including an attempted smuggling incident at the port. While official details surrounding the recall are yet to be fully disclosed, the move is widely seen as part of efforts to strengthen oversight and ensure accountability within the Customs Division.
The latest action reflects the administration’s commitment to decisive and responsive leadership in addressing issues affecting revenue mobilisation and border control.
Also, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister for Finance, has said President John Dramani Mahama was very upset following the receipt of news of the GH¢85million goods diversion at Ghana’s borders.
According to Thomas Nyarko Ampem, President Mahama has demanded immediate feedback when they return from the border.
He announced that the Mahama government is determined to send a clear message to those linked to the intercepted trucks declared as transit goods from Akanu and destined for Niger through Kulungugu.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem stated, “When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for us for feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves”.
“We want to send a very strong signal that our customs officers have the responsibility to ensure revenue and protect our borders. So, they should not be complicit in this,” he said.
He added, “There are good ones who assisted us in this exercise. We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours”.
See the post below:
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has interdicted five officers of its Customs Division with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into potential procedural breaches uncovered during a recent enforcement operation.#PrimeRakon pic.twitter.com/EoGy34hVpj
— Prime Rakon (@prime_rakon) February 24, 2026