President Mahama Reacts to Over GH¢85M Goods Diversion Scandal
- President John Dramani Mahama has expressed outrage over a goods transit diversion and revenue evasion scandal at Ghana’s borders, reportedly costing over GH¢85 million in lost taxes
- The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority intercepted trucks moving without proper documentation, raising concerns of possible internal collusion
- Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify culprits, while praising officers who helped expose the scheme
President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly expressed his anger over the recent goods transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at the country’s borders.
According to the Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the President was extremely “upset” after receiving a briefing on the scandal, which allegedly resulted in a loss of over GH¢85 million in taxes to the state.
Source: Facebook
The scandal was uncovered following a major operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The enforcement operation led to the interception of trucks declared as transit from Akanu and heading to Niger through Kulungugu in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
It also exposed alleged breaches, including the movement of goods without the mandatory customs human guide, raising concerns about possible internal collusion.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Deputy Finance Minister claimed that President Mahama demanded immediate feedback upon their return from the border.
“When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for our feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves,” he said.
“We want to send a very strong signal that our customs officers have the responsibility to ensure revenue collection and protect our borders. They should not be complicit in this,” he added.
Ampem says investigation will determine culprits
In a Citinewsroom report, Thomas Nyarko Ampem also stated that not all officers were implicated in the alleged infractions, adding that some customs personnel played a significant role in exposing the scandal.
“There are good ones who assisted us in this exercise. We want to reward good behaviour among customs officers and punish bad behaviour,” he further stated.
According to the Deputy Minister, ongoing investigations will determine the culprits.
He added that the government is making efforts to block revenue leakages and strengthen border enforcement mechanisms.
Source: Facebook
Ghana Immigration Service releases updated fees
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that the Ghana Immigration Service had released a list of new fees for people travelling to Ghana.
These new fees will take effect from March 2, 2026. Most of the charges remain the same.
The new list sighted by YEN.com.gh features premium fees for express services for items like a residence permit, work permit, and Visa on arrival. These fees did not feature on the previous list and are at least $200.
According to the list shared on Facebook, a residence permit for students will cost GH¢129 for foreigners with Ghanaian parents or a spouse, GH¢194 for Ecowas nationals and GH¢259 for other foreign nationals
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
