Customs seizes trucks containing transit goods diverted into Ghanaian market

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has intercepted 6 trucks containing assorted drinks, frozen fish, mackerel and lubricants.

The trucks which were meant to be going to the transit countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger but were observed to have diverted to Accra by the owners in order to sell them on the Ghanaian market.

Customs then picked up the signal and intercepted the cargo and trucks as well.

In all, the owners of the cargo were supposed to pay a duty of GH¢570,000 which they avoided by declaring the cargo as meant for the transit cargoes since transit cargoes do not attract any duties.

Transit goods do not attract any duty because the goods are not to be consumed nor found in the Ghanaian market.

The assorted drinks, according to the Tema Sector Commander of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Dr. Godfred Okoh Appiah were being offloaded into a warehouse in Tabora, in Accra before customs nabbed the perpetrators.

This is the third time goods meant for the transit countries have been seized by Customs since the beginning of the second quarter of the year 2018.

Dr. Godfred Okoh Appiah said his outfit has stepped up vigilance and surveillance to avert instances were transit goods are diverted onto the Ghanaian market.

“From 19th of April, this is the third arrest we have made of such transactions meant for transit which are diverted,” he said.

The drivers and owners of the goods have been arrested and put behind bars. “So far we have arrested the drivers and the owner of the goods. The agent bolted, but we are still looking for him. We have seized his vehicle too,” he said.

He entreated importers to be very wary of unscrupulous clearing agents who deceive them they can clear their at a reduced duty rates.

“If you are importer and you have any doubt, or you are looking a credible agent, approach their executives. Don’t let anybody come to you and deceive you,” he admonished.