A group of importers in Ghana has petitioned the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to investigate the alleged unauthorized removal, transfer, and disappearance of 28 containers at the Tema Port. The petition, dated September 29, 2026, was addressed to the Commissioner-General of the GRA. It stated that the containers were at various stages of the clearance process when they were found to be empty, missing, or had been moved from the port without the knowledge of their owners.
The petitioners reported that an official complaint had been lodged with the Tema Regional Police Command, leading to the arrest of some persons allegedly connected to the incident. They are seeking a thorough investigation to establish how the affected containers were removed or transferred and the circumstances surrounding their current status. This incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the clearance process at the Tema Port.
According to the list attached to the petition, the 28 containers contained a range of goods, including cyanide, condensed milk, sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, black pepper, and tomato paste. The list showed that three containers carrying cyanide were found at different locations, including the DVLA Preventive Terminal in Tema and the GPHA Terminal, while two others were listed as not found.
The petitioners provided a detailed breakdown of the status of the containers. Three containers carrying condensed milk were located at the Atlas Terminal, while another was marked empty. The table also listed 13 containers as empty, including those carrying sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tomato paste. This suggests that the containers were either cleared without proper authorization or were tampered with while in storage.
Two containers carrying black pepper were listed as having been offloaded into a warehouse, while seven containers containing tomato paste were either marked “not found” or “empty”. The petitioners expressed concern about the potential financial losses and reputational damage resulting from the alleged unauthorized removal of the containers.
The GRA has not publicly commented on the incident, but the petitioners said they were prepared to assist the GRA and other relevant authorities with any information required to facilitate the investigation. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the containers and potentially lead to measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident highlights the need for effective monitoring and oversight of the clearance process at the Tema Port to prevent unauthorized removal of containers and ensure compliance with regulations. The investigation is also expected to examine the roles of various stakeholders, including port officials, shipping lines, and customs brokers, in the alleged unauthorized removal of the containers.
Key points
- The petitioners are seeking a thorough investigation into the alleged unauthorized removal of 28 containers at the Tema Port.
- The containers contained a range of goods, including cyanide, condensed milk, sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, black pepper, and tomato paste.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the clearance process at the Tema Port.
