By Eugene Davis
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has averted a potential revenue loss of approximately GHS 2.3 million following the interception of an illegal diesel export operation involving C Cleaned Oil Limited. The company had been granted approval to export Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, from Ghana to The Gambia.
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Sarpong, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Accra, said the Customs Preventive Unit, working in collaboration with National Security operatives, successfully intercepted the diverted fuel consignment at Kpone before it could hit the open market.
According to Mr. Sarpong, C Cleaned Oil Limited was on September 1, 2025, granted approval by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to export ten million litres of diesel to The Gambia. In line with procedure, the company loaded ten trucks of AGO from the Chase Depot under the supervision of the Petroleum Task Force and proceeded to the port to load the product onto a designated export vessel.
However, upon arrival, it was discovered that no vessel had been assigned to receive the consignment. Subsequent investigations revealed that the company had tampered with the tracking devices on the trucks and diverted the fuel under the cover of darkness. The vehicles, instead of completing the export process, exited the port area at about 3:00 a.m. and were later traced to the Kpone enclave.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, the Customs Preventive Unit, in collaboration with National Security, intercepted the tankers. The vehicles have since been impounded, and investigations are ongoing under Sections 115(1), 118(1), and 124(1) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).
“Preliminary estimates indicate that the state stood to lose approximately GHS 2.3 million in taxes and levies from this single illegal operation,” Mr. Sarpong stated.
He further revealed that intelligence suggests this modus operandi has been used repeatedly in the past, resulting in substantial revenue losses to the state. “Over the past few months, the GRA, together with National Security, has undertaken several operations leading to arrests of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) involved in similar acts of diversion and tax evasion,” he added.
The Commissioner-General also announced that the GRA has commissioned a forensic audit into the operations of identified OMCs. Individuals and entities found culpable of tax evasion, smuggling, or diversion of petroleum products, he said, will face the full rigour of the law.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, and in line with the national agenda to reset the economy and restore integrity in our revenue systems, the GRA remains resolute in dismantling illegal networks that undermine national progress,” Mr. Sarpong stressed.
He assured that the Authority will continue to intensify monitoring, enforcement, and intelligence coordination with the NPA, National Security, and other relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with Ghana’s tax and export regulations.
Mr. Sarpong emphasized that the interception sends a strong signal of the GRA’s vigilance and commitment to protecting national revenue in support of Ghana’s economic recovery.
“Illegal fuel exportation and tax evasion are acts of economic sabotage. The GRA will not hesitate to pursue every offender without fear or favour,” he declared.
The GRA’s core mandate, he reiterated, is to ensure maximum compliance with all tax laws to sustain government revenue, facilitate trade, and safeguard the movement of goods across the country’s borders. The Authority also administers several international agreements, including World Customs Organisation protocols, World Trade Organisation conventions, and Double Taxation and Exchange of Information Agreements.
