Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has revealed that customs officers linked to the suspected diversion of 18 articulated trucks under a transit arrangement are facing possible interdiction as investigations intensify.
The announcement follows the issuance of formal queries to officers assigned to escort the trucks out of Ghana, with disciplinary action expected once their responses are reviewed.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Nyarko Ampem said the government has initiated internal disciplinary procedures to hold accountable any officials found to have breached established customs protocols.
“The Minister gave directives to the Commissioner General of Customs to act immediately. The report I received from the Commissioner General last night indicates that internal processes have begun, and we expect some disciplinary action to take place by the close of today or tomorrow. It is going to happen,” he stated.
The Deputy Finance Minister added that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has instructed the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to act swiftly following the interception of the trucks.
Officers responsible for escorting the cargo under the transit arrangement have been formally queried and are required to respond within a specified timeframe.
“Queries were issued to the officers assigned to escort the trucks out of Ghana. They are expected to respond by the end of today. Following that, the necessary action, including interdiction, will happen. The interdiction will happen,” Nyarko Ampem emphasized.
He stressed that the government is determined to restore discipline within customs operations and clamp down on organized transit fraud schemes.
The investigations arise from the interception of 18 articulated trucks at the Akanu and Aflao border posts on February 18, 2026. The trucks, carrying assorted goods such as cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste, were reportedly declared for transit to Niger but were suspected of being diverted into the local market, depriving the state of significant revenue.
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