A joint taskforce consisting of the Tree Crop Development Authority, the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and National Security seized a full truck of smuggled vegetable oil at CMB Market in Accra.
During the operation on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, the taskforce went to some retail shops at CMB, Okaishie, where most of the traders were following the TCDA directive to sell local and approved brands of cooking oil.
The taskforce seized a suspected vegetable oil loaded in a KIA truck at Age Dave Enterprise in CMB, near Graphic Road.
The National Security Coordinator, Scout Kwabena, said these vegetable oils were smuggled through unapproved routes and land borders to avoid taxes and import duties.
According to him, the illegal trade harms local manufacturers and drives them out of business.
“We will strengthen our efforts to combat smuggling and protect the interests of both legitimate businesses and consumers.” Mr. Scout Kwabena, National Security Personnel
The taskforce has vowed to intensify its efforts to crack down on smuggled vegetable oil on the Ghanaian market.
As operations into the smuggling of suspected vegetable oil continue, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could endanger the country’s economic security.
