Mahama Furious Over GH¢85m Transit Goods Diversion — Deputy Minister for Finance

Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama was “very upset” after being briefed on the interception of articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at Ghana’s borders.

The incident followed a major enforcement operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which intercepted trucks declared as transit goods from Akanu and reportedly bound for Niger through Kulungugu.

The operation uncovered suspected violations, including the movement of goods without the required customs human escort, raising concerns about possible internal complicity.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr Ampem said the President demanded immediate feedback after the team returned 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 stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, the government intends to send a strong signal that customs officers are entrusted with safeguarding national revenue and protecting the country’s borders, and any compromise of that responsibility will attract sanctions.

He noted, however, that not all officers were implicated in the alleged infractions, adding that some customs personnel played a critical role in exposing the irregularities.

“There are good ones who assisted us in this exercise. We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours,” he added.

Mr Ampem emphasised that ongoing investigations will determine individual culpability as the government intensifies efforts to close revenue leakages and strengthen border enforcement mechanisms.