Importers Petition GRA Over Missing 28 Containers at Tema Port

Importers have formally petitioned the Ghana Revenue Authority to probe the unauthorised removal of twenty‑eight containers from the Tema Port complex. The petition, dated September 29, 2026, was addressed to the Commissioner‑General of the GRA. It claims the containers were at various stages of customs clearance when they were discovered empty, missing, transferred or moved without the owners’ knowledge. The importers supplied each bill of lading number to identify the affected units and called for an urgent, thorough investigation. A formal complaint had already been lodged with the Tema Regional Police Command, leading to the arrest of individuals believed to be connected to the incident. The petition follows growing accusations of illegal removal and diversion of cargo from the port. The issue came to light when some owners found their goods being offloaded from one container into a warehouse close to the GHACEM area in Tema. The importers said they are ready to cooperate with the GRA and other relevant agencies during the inquiry. They attached a list of the containers and the status each owner had established. GRA has welcomed a recent tribunal ruling that upheld a US$393 million tax assessment, showing its commitment to revenue mobilisation. The authority also assured Tullow of collaboration to settle a $393 million tax liability without disrupting petroleum operations. International Chamber of Commerce rulings in Ghana’s favour against Tullow’s nearly $400 million tax charge have been noted by the GRA. Customs officials have increased surveillance at ports and warned importers against concealing restricted items. Recent interceptions include an assault rifle, two pistols and 610 rounds of ammunition seized at Tema Port. Stakeholders discussed possible amendments to sections of the Customs Act 2026 to improve container handling. Advance ruling processes are being promoted to give importers certainty before goods arrive. The Commissioner‑General urged stronger tax cooperation to boost regional revenue mobilisation. The future of revenue mobilisation is expected to be digital, according to the Commissioner‑General speaking to West African tax administrators. The GRA is questioning a GH¢79.65 million Servestar Minwax claim and has ordered an independent audit. Education infrastructure investment is projected to drive development in the Banda area, according to Ahmed Ibrahim. Teacher unions have begun strike actions, prompting the government to present fresh proposals. The government has pledged to validate 51,000 teachers’ promotion arrears for October payment. Kwabena Boamah was appointed chair of the board for Impact Investing Ghana. Striking teacher unions will meet the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on October 6. EOCO is working with the Attorney‑General to arraign Nana Baffour Awuah before the weekend court. Duraplast has reassured customers and announced a reopening on October 5 after a fire incident. Haruna Iddrisu appealed to teacher unions to call off their strike, promising no breach of the promotion arrears pledge. A five‑member committee has been set up to validate teachers eligible for a 20% deprived‑area allowance. The Sports Ministry and Ghana Football Association held a meeting that led to the formation of a five‑member search committee for a new Black Stars coach. Pinktober awareness campaigns highlight that breast cancer survival exceeds 90% when detected early. The TCDA will adopt an Upper West MATCO mango farm as a northern prototype and has warned against felling shea trees. Afoko emphasised genuineness among delegates ahead of the NPP delegates conference. John Boadu was praised as the leader the party needs at this time by Ambassador Edward Akwasi Boateng. Baffour Awuah’s arrest by EOCO sparked comments from Afenyo‑Markin regarding the MP’s detention.