President John Dramani Mahama has warned that smuggling, counterfeiting, and the rebagging of inferior products amount to economic sabotage, pledging that his administration will treat such acts as serious economic crimes.

The warning comes after the interception of 18 articulated trucks declared for transit to Niger, which were suspected to be part of a broader diversion scheme. Post-inspection checks revealed discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, increasing the estimated revenue exposure from GH¢2.6 million to over GH¢85 million.

Speaking during a Presidential encounter with the private sector at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, President Mahama outlined measures his government will implement to clamp down on illicit trade activities, emphasizing accountability for public officials involved.

“We will intensify coordinated border enforcement, treat trade infractions as economic crimes, dismiss and prosecute public officers found culpable, deploy technology-driven customs surveillance solutions, and rigorously enforce product standards.

“This government is determined to protect Ghanaian enterprises so they can thrive and grow,” he stated.