The Customs Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has busted a syndicate that diverts diesel to evade customs taxes.

The intelligence-led operation conducted in collaboration with the National Security resulted in the interception of 10 trucks loaded with automotive gas oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, estimated at 540,000 litres.

Intelligence gathered suggests that the mode of operation of the syndicate has been a recurring practice in the past, leading to significant revenue losses to the state.

In order to rid the market of such possible illegal fuel trade, the GRA, together with National Security, has carried out several arrests over the past few months relating to oil marketing companies (OMCs) that have engaged in diversion of petroleum products to circumvent due process and evade tax.

The GRA said the interception was a strong signal that the authority was alert, vigilant and fully committed to protecting national revenue and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery. 

Presser

Addressing journalists in Accra last Friday, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong,  said the customs duties (taxes) on that quantity of diesel are estimated to be GH¢2.3 million.

He stated that the syndicate disabled the tracking devices affixed to the various trucks a few minutes after loading and taking off.

Based on intelligence, the team followed the trucks to the port as they were expected to export the goods.

However, upon arrival at the port, he said, it was discovered that no vessel had been designated to receive the product.

Mr Sarpong said investigations revealed that the company disengaged the tracking devices on the tankers and diverted them under the cover of darkness.

The trucks, instead of completing the export process, exited the port area at around 3 a.m. and were traced to the Kpone enclave.

“Acting swiftly on intelligence, the Customs Preventive Wing, working with National Security operatives, intercepted the tankers at Kpone,” the Commissioner-General revealed.

He added that the vehicles had since been impounded in line with the customs law, and that investigations were ongoing.

Mr Sarpong added that preliminary estimates indicated that the state could lose approximately GH¢2.3 million in taxes and levies from this single illegal operation.

Audit

According to the Commissioner-General, the GRA had also commissioned a forensic audit into the operations of the identified OMCs, and that individuals found culpable of tax evasion, smuggling, and diversion of petroleum products would face the necessary sanctions.

“Under the leadership of 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 such illegal networks that undermine our collective progress,” Mr Sarpong said.

“Let me state clearly: this authority will not tolerate any act that seeks to defraud the state or undermine the integrity of our petroleum export regime,” he warned.

Mr Sarpong added that the GRA was intensifying monitoring, enforcement and intelligence coordination with National Security, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and other agencies to ensure full compliance with the laws.

He also urged 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,” Mr Sarpong stressed.