President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning against smuggling, counterfeiting, and the rebagging of inferior goods, describing such practices as acts of economic sabotage that will be treated as serious economic crimes under his administration.
The President’s remarks follow the interception of 18 articulated trucks declared for transit to Niger but suspected to be part of a larger diversion scheme. Subsequent post-inspection checks uncovered significant discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and cargo weights.
Initial estimates placed the potential revenue exposure at GH¢2.6 million. However, further scrutiny raised the figure dramatically to over GH¢85 million, underscoring the scale of the alleged infractions and the risks posed to the national economy.
President Mahama delivered the warning during a Presidential Encounter with the Private Sector at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, where he outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat illicit trade and safeguard local businesses.
“We will intensify coordinated border enforcement, treat trade infractions as economic crimes, dismiss and prosecute public officers found culpable, deploy technology-driven customs surveillance solutions, and rigorously enforce product standards,” the President stated.
He emphasized that accountability would extend beyond private actors to include public officials found complicit in unlawful trade practices.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian enterprises from unfair competition and revenue losses linked to illegal imports and substandard goods.
“This government is determined to protect Ghanaian enterprises so they can thrive and grow,” he said.
The announcement signals a tougher regulatory and enforcement stance aimed at strengthening customs operations, enhancing transparency, and preserving critical state revenue amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.
