MAHAMA ‘UPSET’ OVER GH¢85M GOODS DIVERSION — Ampem Nyarko Reveals
Deputy Finance Minister says President demands strict sanctions over alleged transit fraud at borders
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama was “very upset” after being briefed on the interception of articulated trucks allegedly involved in a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme valued at about GH¢85 million.
The revelation follows a major enforcement operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which intercepted several trucks declared as transit goods from Akanu and purportedly destined for Niger through Kulungugu.
According to officials, the operation uncovered suspected breaches, including the movement of goods without the mandatory customs human escort, a serious violation that has raised concerns about possible internal complicity.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem said the President demanded immediate updates upon their return from the border inspection.
“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,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister stressed that government intends to send a strong signal that customs officers are entrusted with safeguarding national revenue and protecting Ghana’s borders, and any compromise of that responsibility will attract severe sanctions.
“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.
However, Mr Ampem was quick to clarify that not all officers were implicated in the alleged wrongdoing. He noted that some customs personnel played a critical role in exposing the irregularities.
“There are good ones who assisted us in this exercise. We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours,” he added.
He indicated that ongoing investigations will establish individual culpability as the government intensifies efforts to plug revenue leakages and strengthen enforcement mechanisms at the country’s entry and exit points.
The incident has renewed calls for tighter border controls and enhanced oversight within the Customs Division to prevent future losses to the state.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
