The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in a joint operation with the National Security Authority, has intercepted a syndicate attempting to illegally divert diesel meant for export.

This act would have cost the state an estimated GH¢2.3 million in lost taxes.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Friday, October 10, 2025, GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, disclosed that 10 trucks loaded with approximately 540,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, were intercepted after suspicious activity was detected.

“Based on intelligence, our team monitored the trucks at the port, suspecting they were carrying export-designated goods,” Sarpong said.

Instead of completing the official export process, the trucks exited the port area around 3:00 a.m. and were later traced to the Kpone enclave.

Upon further inspection at the Tema Port, authorities discovered that no vessel had been assigned to receive the cargo, raising red flags.

Investigations revealed that the perpetrators had disabled the tracking devices on the tankers and diverted them under the cover of darkness, in a calculated attempt to evade customs duties.

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“In line with sections 115(1), 118(1), and 124(1) of the Customs Act 2015 (Act 891), the vehicles have been impounded and investigations are currently underway,” Sarpong confirmed.

He emphasized that the GRA will not tolerate any actions that seek to defraud the state or compromise the integrity of Ghana’s petroleum export regime.

To prevent future infractions, the Authority is ramping up its monitoring efforts and strengthening intelligence coordination with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), National Security, and other key agencies.

SA

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