Authorities in Ghana have uncovered the identity of an importer allegedly linked to a massive GH¢85 million tax evasion scheme, following a major joint operation by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce.
The operation, which took place along the Dawhenya–Tema Road, led to the interception of 12 articulated trucks suspected to be part of a larger organised scheme designed to evade customs duties and taxes. The trucks were initially declared as goods in transit, a classification that allows cargo to pass through Ghana without paying import duties, on the claim that the goods were headed for another country.
According to investigations, the trucks were part of a total convoy of 18 vehicles that entered Ghana through the Akanu border post and were officially documented as cargo transiting to Niger through Kulungugu. However, the movement of the vehicles raised suspicion after authorities discovered that the trucks were operating without the mandatory Customs escort, a serious breach of standard transit protocols.
Further checks revealed that the trucks were not following approved transit routes, suggesting that the cargo may have been intended for local distribution within Ghana, rather than export to another country as officially declared. This diversion tactic is a known method used in smuggling and tax evasion operations to avoid paying import duties.
The intercepted trucks were found to be carrying 44,055 packages of food products, including cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Initial customs valuation placed the potential tax liability at approximately GH¢2.6 million. However, after a full reassessment of the cargo and documentation, authorities revised the estimated tax exposure to GH¢85,306,578.33, pointing to one of the largest suspected tax evasion cases recorded in recent years.
Investigators also disclosed that six additional trucks connected to the operation remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that part of the shipment may have successfully entered local markets before interception. Security agencies are currently tracking the missing vehicles and identifying all individuals and companies linked to the operation.
The importer believed to be behind the scheme has now been identified, with security agencies intensifying investigations into the broader network involved, including logistics operators, clearing agents, drivers, and possible collaborators within the transport chain.
Government officials have described the case as a major threat to national revenue mobilisation efforts, stressing that tax evasion of this scale undermines economic development and places an unfair burden on compliant businesses and citizens.
Authorities say the case will be fully prosecuted, with those found culpable facing criminal charges, asset seizures, and financial penalties under Ghana’s tax and customs laws. The GRA and National Security have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border surveillance, transit monitoring systems, and inter-agency cooperation to prevent similar schemes in the future.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to recover lost revenue and dismantle the networks behind the alleged operation.
Source: Thepressradio.com
