The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has taken remedial measures in the face of the recent interception of articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme.
Among the measures is the ban on all land transit of cooking oil with immediate effect.
“Such consignments must be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports,” explained a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday.
“All transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking and strict compliance enforcement to safeguard state revenue.”
This decision follows the interception of 18 articulated trucks on Wednesday, February 18.
The trucks had been declared as goods in transit to Niger.
However, intelligence and field surveillance established that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for such consignment.
The trucks were said to have been released at the Akanu Border Post for transit through the Eastern Corridor, exiting at Kulungugu and en route to Niger.
Twelve of the trucks have been impounded while 11 are currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection, investigation and further legal processing. One truck reportedly overturned while trying to evade interception, spilling its cargo.
“The Minister of Finance has directed the GRA to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter.
“Disciplinary action will be initiated against any Customs officers found culpable.”