The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an investigation into the alleged disappearance and unauthorised movement of 28 containers at the Tema Port, amid reports that some consignments were found empty while others were moved to private warehouses or removed without their owners’ consent.
The investigation follows a petition submitted on September 29 by importers and their representatives to the GRA Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, demanding answers over the whereabouts of the affected consignments.
The petition has triggered an inquiry into how the containers, which were at various stages of the customs clearance process, allegedly went missing or were moved without proper authorisation.
The goods involved reportedly include cyanide, condensed milk, sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, black pepper and tomato paste.
Some consignments were allegedly transferred to private warehouses around the GHACEM enclave, while others were reportedly removed from the port without the knowledge or consent of their owners.
The matter has also been referred to the Tema Regional Police Command, with several arrests reportedly made. The suspects were subsequently granted police enquiry bail.
In response, Mr Sarpong has constituted a nine-member fact-finding and investigative committee to establish what happened to the containers, determine their current locations and identify any individuals who may have facilitated the alleged movements.
The committee is chaired by Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, and comprises senior officials from the GRA’s legal, customs operations, post-clearance audit, preventive, investigations and information technology divisions.
ICUMS Records Under Scrutiny
The committee has been tasked with tracing all 28 containers and verifying the claims made by the importers.
A key part of the investigation will involve examining electronic records on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), including customs declarations, gazetting records and gate-out logs associated with the affected bills of lading.
The panel is also expected to establish whether established customs procedures were breached and determine whether GRA officials or persons outside the Authority played any role in the alleged unauthorised movements.
Investigators will further assess whether the incidents resulted in revenue losses to the state and recommend measures to recover any amounts found to be due.
Possible Cartel Operations Probed
The investigation will also examine allegations of possible cartel operations and claims that the names of senior officials were invoked in connection with the movement of the containers.
The findings are expected to clarify how the consignments were handled, whether the necessary authorisations were obtained and whether any officials or private individuals abused their positions or circumvented customs controls.
Mr Sarpong has directed the committee to commence work immediately and submit its report within 14 days.
All relevant departments and stakeholders at the Tema Collection have also been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The inquiry is expected to establish the fate of the 28 containers and determine whether the reported incidents involved procedural failures, misconduct or other wrongdoing.