Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama was “very upset” after receiving a briefing on the recent seizure of articulated trucks suspected of being involved in a transit diversion and revenue leakage scheme at the country’s borders.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) seized trucks identified as carrying transit goods from Akanu and destined for Niger via Kulungugu, following a major enforcement operation.
The operation uncovered alleged breaches, including the movement of goods without the mandatory customs human escort, raising concerns about possible internal complicity.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem stated that the President requested immediate feedback upon their return from the border.
“When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for us for feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves,” he emphasised.
“We want to send a very strong signal that our customs officers have the responsibility to ensure revenue and protect our borders. So, they should not be complicit in this,” he added.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that there are good officers who assisted them in the exercise, and the government will want to reward them for their good behaviour and effort.
He explained that ongoing intelligence will determine individual responsibility, as the government intensifies efforts to seal revenue leakages and strengthen border enforcement mechanisms.