GRA, National Security intercept diesel diversion worth GH₵2.3m

The Customs Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, has uncovered a massive diesel diversion operation that sought to evade customs taxes amounting to GHS2.3 million.

The joint operation, based on months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, led to the interception of 10 trucks loaded with 540,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

The consignment was being illegally diverted under the guise of export, a practice authorities say has been used repeatedly by certain Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to defraud the state.

Addressing the media in Accra, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said the interception demonstrates the Authority’s renewed vigilance and commitment to protecting Ghana’s national revenue base.

“This interception is a strong signal that the GRA is alert, vigilant, and fully committed to safeguarding public revenue and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery,” he asserted.

Sophisticated Tax Evasion Scheme Uncovered

Mr Sarpong revealed that intelligence showed the syndicate’s modus operandi involved disengaging tracking devices affixed to petroleum tankers shortly after loading, enabling them to divert the fuel meant for export onto the local market.

“Based on intelligence, the team followed the trucks to the port as they were suspected to be export goods. However, upon arrival, it was discovered that no vessel had been designated to receive the product,” he explained.

Subsequent investigations confirmed that the drivers disabled the tracking systems and, under the cover of darkness, diverted the tankers from the port area around 3.00 a.m. to the Kpone enclave, where they were intercepted by security operatives.

The trucks have since been impounded in line with Customs laws, while further investigations are underway to identify all entities and individuals involved in the illicit operation.

Heavy Revenue Losses and Enforcement Measures

Preliminary findings indicate that the state would have lost GHS2.3 million in taxes and levies from this single illegal diversion.

To prevent a recurrence, the GRA has commissioned a forensic audit into the operations of the OMCs linked to the case.

According to Mr Sarpong, companies and individuals found culpable will face severe sanctions, including prosecution.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, and in line with the renewed national agenda to reset the nation and restore integrity in our revenue systems, the GRA remains resolute in dismantling illegal networks that undermine our collective progress,” he remarked.

Mr Sarpong further warned that the Authority will not tolerate any act that seeks to defraud the state or undermine the integrity of Ghana’s petroleum export regime.

Tightened Surveillance and Collaboration

The GRA is now ramping up monitoring, enforcement, and intelligence-sharing efforts in collaboration with the National Security, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and other regulatory agencies.

Mr Sarpong also used the opportunity to caution all licensed petroleum operators, depot managers, and transporters to adhere strictly to established export and tax procedures.

“Any entity or individual found to be complicit in these revenue-damaging schemes will face the full force of the law,” he stressed.