Five customs officials have been placed under interdict by the Ghana Revenue Authority while investigations into possible transit rule violations concerning a cargo consignment get underway.
The interdictions come after preliminary findings from an enforcement operation involving cargo declared for onward shipment to Niger.
The Authority stated that initial assessments revealed documentation irregularities and potential non-compliance with prescribed transit procedures. The investigation will establish the level of responsibility of each officer involved and identify any deviations from approved customs processes. Officials noted that appropriate administrative actions would be applied after the inquiry concludes.
The enforcement exercise, which led to the investigation, took place overnight from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and was spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, supported by preventive and enforcement units from Tema Collection, Customs Headquarters, and the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce.
Twelve trucks, part of an 18-vehicle transit consignment, were intercepted after being electronically cleared as transit cargo. The goods were declared to be moving from Akanu to Niger through Kulungugu.
Officials said the trucks were travelling without the mandatory customs escort and were carrying food items including cooking oil, rice, sugar, spaghetti and tomato paste.
The Ghana Revenue Authority said the probe will clarify all facts, including individual roles and any breaches of customs rules. Additional officers may be involved if needed.
Appropriate administrative action, the Authority said, will follow at the end of the investigation.
