The National Security Secretariat has impounded three articulated trucks smuggling more than 2,300 gallons of undeclared cooking oil into the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.
The seizure, which occurred on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, involved vehicles registered in Nigeria (T-8082LA, Lagos), Ghana (AS 3885-09), and Burkina Faso (BN 8878).
According to authorities, the operation followed a four-day surveillance mission by the National Security’s Special Monitoring and Intelligence Team.
Hajia Rashida Mahama, who leads the intelligence unit, revealed during a press briefing that the trucks were monitored from Accra all the way to Kumasi. Initial claims from the agent responsible for the cargo suggested that the consignment was bound for Ivory Coast.
However, the trucks diverted to Kumasi in what authorities believe was a deliberate act to evade customs duties.
Out of a total of 6,688 gallons of cooking oil onboard, duties were paid on only 4,320 gallons. The remaining 2,368 gallons were being smuggled without declaration, representing a tax evasion of over GH¢1 million.
“The agent failed to pay duties on the full consignment, and we are ensuring that the GH¢1,000,368.80 in unpaid taxes is recovered,” Hajia Mahama stated.
She issued a strong warning to importers and shipping agents, urging them to ensure compliance with customs regulations before transporting goods across regions or borders.
“This should serve as a clear message to all agents and traders: due diligence at the customs office is not optional. Any attempt to bypass the law will be met with decisive action,” she warned.
Investigations are ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further legal action against those involved in the smuggling attempt.
Source: Kumasi mail
