By Naa Dzagbley Ago
The Customs Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with the National Security, has impounded ten trucks loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel.
The product, estimated at about 540,000 litres and valued at GH¢2.3 million in taxes and levies, was seized following an intelligence-led operation on 7 October 2025.
Briefing journalists in Accra, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said that after a tip-off, a team monitored the trucks at the port, where the goods were suspected to be for export. However, on arrival, it was discovered that no vessel had been designated to receive the product.
Investigations revealed that the company involved had disengaged the tracking devices on the tankers and diverted them.
“The trucks, instead of completing the export process, exited the port area at about 3:00 a.m. and were traced to the Kpone enclave. Acting swiftly on intelligence, the Customs Preventive Wing, working with National Security operatives, intercepted the tankers at Kpone. In accordance with Sections 115(1), 118(1), and 124(1) of the Customs Act 2015 (Act 891), the vehicles have since been impounded, and investigations are ongoing,” Mr. Sarpong stated.
He further disclosed that the GRA has begun a forensic audit into the activities of individuals and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found culpable of tax evasion, smuggling, and diversion of petroleum products.
“Intelligence gathered suggests that this mode of operation has been a recurring practice in the past, leading to significant revenue losses to the state. Over the past few months, GRA, together with National Security, has carried out several arrests involving OMCs engaged in petroleum product diversions aimed at evading taxes,” he added.
Mr. Sarpong assured that the GRA would intensify monitoring, enforcement, and intelligence coordination to ensure compliance and protect state revenue.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, and in line with the renewed national agenda to restore integrity in our revenue systems, the GRA remains resolute in dismantling illegal networks that undermine our collective progress. Let me state clearly: this Authority will not tolerate any act that seeks to defraud the state or compromise the integrity of our petroleum export regime,” he emphasized.
He urged all licensed petroleum operators, depot managers, and transporters to strictly adhere to established export and tax procedures, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions as prescribed by law.
“Any entity or individual found complicit in these revenue-damaging schemes will face the full force of the law. This interception sends a strong signal that the Ghana Revenue Authority is alert, vigilant, and fully committed to protecting national revenue and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery,” he said.
The GRA reiterated its commitment to dealing decisively with any individual or group involved in illegal fuel diversions.
“Illegal fuel exportation and tax evasion are acts of economic sabotage. We will pursue every offender without fear or favour,” the Authority stated.
