The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated an investigation into the reported disappearance and unauthorized movement of 28 containers at the Tema Port. This decision follows a petition submitted on September 29 by importers and their representatives to GRA Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong. The petitioners demanded answers regarding the whereabouts of the affected consignments, which included items such as cyanide, condensed milk, and pharmaceuticals.
The petition alleges that while the containers were at different stages of the customs clearance process, some were discovered empty, others were transferred to private warehouses, and some were removed from the port without the knowledge of their owners. The consignments reportedly contained a variety of goods, including sardines, alcohol, textiles, black pepper, and tomato paste. The GRA has taken these allegations seriously and is working to establish the facts surrounding the disappearance of the containers.
To lead the investigation, Mr. Sarpong has constituted a nine-member fact-finding and investigative committee headed by Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor. The panel comprises senior GRA officials from various divisions, including legal, customs operations, and post-clearance audit. The committee's primary objective is to verify the allegations and establish the current status and whereabouts of all 28 containers.
As part of its work, the committee will review electronic records on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), including customs declarations and gate-out logs associated with the affected bills of lading. The panel will also determine whether any customs procedures were violated and assess any revenue losses resulting from the alleged incidents. Furthermore, the committee will examine claims of potential cartel activity and allegations that senior officials' names were used in connection with the movement of the containers.
The investigation has already led to some arrests, with the suspects later granted police enquiry bail. The case has also been reported to the Tema Regional Police Command, and the GRA is working closely with the police to ensure a thorough investigation. The committee has been directed to commence its work immediately and submit its findings within 14 days.
All relevant departments and stakeholders at the Tema Collection have been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation. The GRA is committed to uncovering the truth behind the disappearance of the containers and ensuring that any necessary actions are taken. The committee's findings will likely have significant implications for the importers and owners of the affected consignments.
The GRA's investigation is focused on establishing the facts and taking corrective action. The committee's recommendations will likely include measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the integrity of the customs clearance process at the Tema Port. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by stakeholders, including importers, customs brokers, and other parties involved in international trade.
Key points
- The Ghana Revenue Authority has launched an investigation into the disappearance of 28 containers at the Tema Port.
- A nine-member committee has been established to verify the allegations and establish the current status and whereabouts of the containers.
- The investigation has already led to some arrests, and the committee is expected to submit its findings within 14 days.
