File photo of cargo truck
The Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) has urged government to extend the ban on selected transit goods to all land borders, rather than limiting enforcement to the Aflao border alone.
In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, FABAG called on relevant state agencies, including Customs and border security authorities, to collaborate in ensuring strict nationwide enforcement of the directive.
The Association warned that restricting enforcement to a single border risks diversion of transit goods to other entry points, thereby undermining the policy’s intended objectives.
FABAG further noted that the influx of transit goods through land borders has, over the years, posed serious challenges to legitimate businesses, weakened local manufacturing, and distorted market competition, particularly within the food and beverages sector.
“This decisive intervention is a significant step toward safeguarding local industries, protecting government revenue, and strengthening regulatory control at the nation’s borders,” part of the release stated.
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“While we commend this important action at the Aflao border, we respectfully urge the government and the Ghana Revenue Authority to extend this directive to all other land borders across the country without exception,” it added.
The Association cautioned that a partial restriction targeting only transit consignments may inadvertently create loopholes that could be exploited, leading to continued smuggling, under-declaration, and unfair market practices.
FABAG added that a nationwide enforcement regime is necessary to curb smuggling, prevent illicit trade, and enhance revenue mobilisation for national development.
This call follows the interception of 12 transit trucks by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Details of the Interception
The 12 articulated trucks intercepted are part of a consignment of 18 vehicles electronically cleared as transit goods.
The cargo, declared as goods in transit from Akanu and destined for Niger via Kulungugu, was found moving without the mandatory Customs human escort, contrary to Ghana’s transit regulations.
The trucks were loaded with 44,055 packages of edible cooking oil, tomato paste, and spaghetti. Authorities estimate the potential tax exposure linked to the consignment exceeds GH¢85 million.
Eleven of the trucks have since been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under strict Customs supervision, with support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. One truck developed a mechanical fault during the operation, and arrangements are being made to transfer its cargo to another vehicle to ensure the goods remain secured.
Preliminary checks revealed that all 18 trucks were electronically cleared from the system, yet only 12 have been physically accounted for. Investigations are ongoing to trace the remaining six trucks.
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