The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted claims by National Security operatives that several trucks suspected of diverting goods meant for export to Burkina Faso were intercepted and impounded.
According to National Security sources, the trucks—originally cleared at the Tema Port—were allegedly destined for Burkina Faso but were instead offloading goods in Kumasi, in what they described as a deliberate attempt to evade duty payments.
The vehicles were reportedly intercepted at Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region and escorted to Kumasi to verify their true destination as part of ongoing investigations.
National Security officials maintain that statements from the drivers and tracking information indicated the goods were being diverted to other parts of the Ashanti Region, contrary to the declared export route.
However, the Customs Division has pushed back on this narrative.
Speaking to Citi News, Deputy Commissioner, Preventive, at the Customs Division, Peter Ofori Antobreh, described the National Security claims as inaccurate and misleading.
“The vehicles were on the right path, there was nothing like diversion,” Mr. Antobreh stated.
He explained that the trucks in question were under surveillance by his unit and had not engaged in any illegal activities.
“The vehicles were being monitored by Customs and were not involved in anything untoward,” he added.
The conflicting accounts from two state agencies raise questions about inter-agency coordination and oversight in monitoring cross-border goods transportation.