A tense atmosphere gripped the corridors of power after President John Dramani Mahama was briefed on a high-profile customs enforcement operation that intercepted articulated trucks suspected of being part of a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at Ghana’s borders.
The operation, led by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), targeted trucks declared as carrying transit goods from Akanu and bound for Niger via Kulungugu. The investigation uncovered troubling breaches, including the failure to provide the mandatory customs human escort, fuelling suspicions of internal complicity.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, recounted on the Citi Breakfast Show how the President’s anger was palpable: “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.”
Mr. Ampem stressed that the government would not tolerate any compromise by customs enforcement officers, who are entrusted with protecting Ghana’s borders and safeguarding national revenue. The message was clear: those found culpable would face sanctions, while officers who demonstrated integrity would be recognized and rewarded.
“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,” Mr. Ampem stated.
He further acknowledged that not all customs officers were involved in the alleged wrongdoing. Some, he noted, played a crucial role in uncovering the irregularities. “We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours,” he added.
As investigations continue, the government has pledged to intensify border enforcement and close revenue loopholes, ensuring that individual accountability is established and the integrity of Ghana’s customs operations is restored.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com